Call for breast cancer retreat applicants

Applications are now open for next year’s Casting for Recovery retreat – a fully-funded vacation for breast cancer survivors and patients designed to provide peace and solitude.

Casting for Recovery is a national non-profit program for people of all ages and in all stages of breast cancer.

The retreat allows those whose lives have been profoundly affected by breast cancer to gather in a beautiful, natural setting and learn to fly fish, at no cost.

Entering its fourth year in 2013, the retreat teaches participants to cast, tie basic knots and all about the bugs fish eat.

On the last day of the retreat, the participants get in the water to practice catch and release fishing, assisted by CFR staff and volunteers.

Some of the country’s finest anglers, including some of the NZ Silver Flies team, travel to the retreats to take people fishing.

“This is a 100 per cent free weekend for breast cancer participants at any age and stage of their journey and we welcome secondary status applicants as well,” says organiser Sherrie Feickert.

“All they have to do is gain a medical clearance from their GP/specialist and then our medical director will peruse as well.”

Retreats are staffed by trained volunteers. There are fly fishing instructors, as well as professional medical and hospitality volunteers.

The 2013 retreats are at Turangi from February 8 – 10, Te Awamutu from February 22 – 24 and Nelson from April 5 7.

Each retreat accommodates 14 participants, who apply and are selected through a random draw.

Those interested are encouraged to contact Sherrie at sherrie@castingforrecovery.org.nz

Casting for Recovery was founded in the United States in 1996 by a reconstructive surgeon and a fly fishing guide.