For many women, a breast cancer diagnosis is one of the loneliest experiences of their lives, even when surrounded by people who love them. Casting for Recovery exists to change that by bringing women together on the water for a weekend of fly fishing, connection, and healing.
What is a Casting for Recovery retreat?
It’s a free, two-and-a-half-day getaway for women with breast cancer, in treatment, in recovery, at any stage of the journey. Days are spent learning to fly fish (no experience needed), moving through gentle group discussions led by professional oncology facilitators and simply being outdoors among women who understand. Lodging, meals, equipment, and expert guides are all included at no cost. The casting motion itself is even gentle physical therapy for women recovering from surgery or radiation. But the fishing, it turns out, is only a small part of what makes these weekends so special.
This year, women arrived from all over the country, many having never spoken with another woman who truly understood what they were carrying. Nearly one in three participants said that no longer feeling alone was the most powerful part of their weekend. Standing in a river, casting for the first time, they found something a waiting room could never offer.
“Being able to comfortably talk about all the feelings I have inside. I didn’t feel like I was ‘complaining’ or ‘bringing someone down.’ … It brought an extreme sense of PEACE.”
2026 CfR Participant
“Feeling understood without having to explain my experience. Hearing others’ stories created a strong sense of connection and hope.”
2026 CfR Participant
“I am not alone anymore. I formed a sisterhood with each of the women.”
2026 CfR Participant
We invite you to share Casting for Recovery with a woman you love, support our work in one of the ways below, or get involved by volunteering with your local program.
Find a Casting for Recovery Retreat near you.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
