On the Fly: To cast is to hope

The Western Slope chapter of Casting for Recovery hosted its annual retreat this past Sunday at the Redstone Inn on the Crystal River, and this was one of the best retreats we’ve ever had.

The mission of CfR is to enhance the lives of women with breast cancer by connecting them to each other and nature through the therapeutic sport of fly fishing. None of this would happen without the selfless hard work and dedication of many volunteers, including the coordinators and retreat staff, the generosity of the Redstone Inn and the Redstone Mercantile, the medical team, the guides who donate a day during the bustling fall season, plus the brave participants that everyone is there to support.

The retreat is totally free for the participants, and over the course of three days, they are immersed in all things fly fishing –including entomology, casting, knots, fish identification, and handling, as well as working through any issues they have with their physical and mental health in a safe environment. On the final day, professional guides and industry insiders from across the Roaring Fork Valley show up and spend the day on the water, one-on-one, with their eager participant.

Firstly, thanks to our amazing participants: Marina, Beth, Betty, Tish, Barb, Molly, Bailey, Robin, Vicky, Misti, Victoria, Kathy, Carrie, and Lauren, who are all residents of the Western Slope of Colorado. This retreat would never happen without the dedication and hard work of the all-volunteer staff, including: Lani Kitching, Shannon Outing, Flinn Pomeroy, Kara Armano, Nancee Dodge, Maryanne Fisco, Skylar Kittel, Kaelynn Eaton, Jen Lofgren, and Rebecca Voit.

Thanks to the generosity of Fryingpan Anglers, Aspen Outfitting Company, Crystal Fly Shop, Proudline Guided Fishing, Taylor Creek Fly Shop, Wild Willow Outfitters, and the Roaring Fork Valley Fly Fishing Club. Thanks to the all-star guide staff as well, including: Dr Michael Attas, Kay Dushane, Chris Vaughan, Jordan Duchein, Taylor Thackston, John Pfautz, Jerry Pazar, Beck Brooks, Tom Skutely, Dylan Campbell, Woody Boughton, Hutch Hutchinson, Sheldon Doolan, Lynda Bess, Bruning Rangel, and Rachel McKelvey.

The river is a healing place, and we are so lucky to spend this time together – building trust, learning how to get a perfect drift, putting cancer on the back-burner for a little while, and making lifelong friendships and memories. If you would like to help fund these retreats, please visit castingforrecovery.org/retreats, and choose Colorado Western Slope.

Many thanks to all attendees and volunteers!