WAIMEA — A dozen women living with breast cancer recently wrapped up the inaugural Fly Fishing Retreat hosted by Casting for Recovery in Waimea.
The 12 women were selected by lottery to attend the retreat on Kaua‘i. The lottery was open to all women of all ages in Hawai‘i, and in various stages of breast cancer and recovery.
The retreat was offered at no cost to people from Maui, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i. The retreat, which was held from June 7-9 in Waimea, was highlighted by a day of fly fishing at one of the island’s fresh water bodies — Waita Reservoir in Koloa.
“I’ve thought numerous times about standing in that stream with my river guide trying to cast my line to catch the elusive fish, and the sheer awesomeness of it all,” said a previous retreat participant in remarks posted on the Casting for Recovery website. “And that gives me hope.”
Casting for Recovery is a nonprofit organization offering support and educational retreats for women with breast cancer. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life of women with breast cancer through a unique program that combines breast cancer education and peer support along with education about the therapeutic sport of fly fishing.
Additionally, Casting for Recovery, with branches in all 50 states, provides oncology, medical and psychosocial support at no cost to the participants.
Since 1996, Casting for Recovery has served more than 11,000 breast cancer survivors across the nation with the help of more than 1,800 volunteers, including medical and psychosocial professionals, fly fishing instructors and program alumni.
The June 9-7 retreat was the first time the program was offered in Hawai‘i. Tlhere are plans for the retreat to be offered annually based on the vision that the retreat will create an ongoing network of support in the islands to women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.
Casting for Recovery retreats are supported by fundraising from many local individuals and organizations. The group is in need of continued support.
For more information on the Casting for Recovery or to make an online contribution, visit the website www.castingforrecovery.org.
