2010 Tournament Beneficiary
Casting for Recovery, a national support and educational organization
for breast cancer survivors, is the recipient of the proceeds from this
event.
Mission Statement ~

promote and support mental and physical healing.  We are committed to promote
and support mental and physical healing.  We are committed to socioeconomic and
cultural diversity.  
socioeconomic and cultural diversity.  


History ~

  • Founded in 1996 by a professional fly fisher and a reconstructive surgeon
  • Awarded 501 (c) (3) non-profit status in 1998
  • CFR Canada was established in 2004
  • CFR UK/Ireland was established in 2007
  • National sponsors include The Hartford, The Orvis Company, Under Armour,    
and Emotion Kayaks

Facts & Figures ~

  • CFR relies on donations from individuals, grants, corporations, and other non-
    profits.
  • Donations may be allocated to a specific project, or to a retreat program, or to
    the general fund.
  • By the end of 2007, we will have held 262 retreats, serving nearly 3,500
    women.
  • In 2008, 37 retreats in 27 states serving 36 states plus Washington D.C.
  • Approximately 800+ volunteers are actively involved in the program, including:
    planning coordinators, medical professionals, therapists, fly-fishing instructors,
    river helpers, and alumnae.
  • 40% of our referrals are from the medical community; 25% are from a trade
    show or conference; 20% are from the media; 18% are from a friend or family
    member; 2% are from the fly-fishing community; 2% are from the business
    community.

Why Fly Fishing & Breast Cancer ~

No other programs that we know of have combined fly-fishing, counseling, medical
expertise, and breast cancer recovery.  Physically, the motion of fly-casting is similar
to the exercises that surgeons prescribe after surgery or radiation, thus promoting
soft tissue stretching.  The rhythm of casting of the line and being in a natural setting
also relieves everyday stress and provides a sense of calm.  The retreat offers
respite, connectivity, and provides information to survivors.  Extending beyond the
weekend, annual alumni events are organized and many alumni now volunteer with
the organization.

Program Highlights ~

  • Two-and-a-half day retreat offered at no cost to the participants.
  • The retreat incorporates both fly-fishing instruction and social support, ending
    with a half day of guided catch-and-release fly-fishing.
  • Focus is on wellness as opposed to illness, empowerment as opposed to
    helplessness
  • 14 participants and up to 20 alternates are selected at random from the
    applicant pool (based on service area) to attend each retreat .
  • A volunteer planning team coordinates the CFR Program in their area.
  • The national office oversees financial, promotional, and registration
    processes, coordinates participant information, and manages and trains the
    volunteer base.
  • At least one medical professional, one psychosocial counselor, and four fly
    fishing instructors trained specifically for the Casting for Recovery Program
    staff each retreat.
  • Participants range in age from 26 to 90 and are from many socioeconomic and
    cultural backgrounds.  
  • The program is appropriate for women in all stages of treatment and recovery,
    and various stages of emotional adaptation to breast cancer.  

Impact ~

The program has shown to have a positive impact on breast cancer survivors.  Post-
retreat participant evaluations show that after attending a retreat:

  • 88% felt better able to cope with their disease and are more aware and
    accepting of themselves
  • 99% would recommend this program to/for others
  • 89% learned something new about breast cancer
  • 97% felt connected with other participants
  • 90% intend to continue participating in the sport of fly fishing
www.castingforrecovery.org
It's easy to make a secure online donation to CFR-Texas! Please
specify your donation designation by choosing
"SPECIFIC
RETREAT"
on the drop down menu under Donation Details and
filling in
"TEXAS-LAFM" for Retreat Name.

Follow this link to make a donation now:
www.castingforrecovery.org/regional/?page_id=3
Please read the following information about Casting for Recovery: