Casting for Recover, a Vermont-based non-profit organization, recently teamed up with the local office of The Hartford insurance company to offer women recovering from breast cancer in Wisconsin and Minnesota an opportunity to apply for a free weekend retreat.
During the retreat women are able to get away to the country and learn how fly fishing can help them heal both physically and emotionally.
Casting for Recovery, with the help of The Hartford, hosts 42 retreats in 27 states and will host its first retreat for women who live in Wisconsin and Minnesota on July 17 through July 19 at the Trout Haven Retreat Center in Frederic, Wis.
The retreat is open to just 14 area women.
During that time, the women will share their personal stories and challenges, receive counseling and education, and learn how to fly-fish in Knapp Creek.
According to Kim Rasmussen, The Hartford’s local volunteer coordinator for the event, the dynamics of fly fishing provide a healing connection to the natural world, relieve stress and promote a sense of calm.
“Casting for Recovery retreats change lives by giving women an opportunity to share with one another and to learn life-long skills that will help them deal with everyday concerns,” Rasmussen said.
Fly-fishing techniques also provide a gentle exercise similar to the exercises physicians recommend for patients in order to promote joint and soft tissue mobility, she said.
Women interested in applying to attend the retreat can contact Casting for Recovery before May 8 at 1-888-553-3500 or by e-mail at info@castingforrecovery.org. Selections will be made on a random basis from all those who apply.
