Casting for Recovery reels in hope

The motto of Casting for Recovery is "To fish is to hope." For the women who participated in the program at Hope Valley on June 1, that statement couldn't be more true.

Casting for Recovery is an annual flyfishing retreat for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The program, in its 12th season, began in 1996 in Vermont and has since become an international event. There are currently 34 retreats in the United States, three in Canada, and one in Ireland. There was such a high application rate this year that the organization had to turn away more than 800 women because facilities could not accommodate everyone. Participants were chosen at random.

The participants are women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The women are all in different stages of recovery - some are in remission, while others are still receiving treatment.

Casting for Recovery was held at Sorensen's Resort in Hope Valley. Sorensen's provided the rooms and meals to the women at no cost, and Orvis donated fishing supplies. The retreat lasted from May 30 to June 1.

The last day of the retreat started early, with breakfast at 8 a.m. The women, dressed in straw hats and fishing vests, ate cereal and muffins and exchanged thoughts and stories about their individual battles and experiences. They discussed which books they read while undergoing treatment and laughed about how aging seems much more exciting after dealing with a life-threatening illness.

"I cruised into my 50s with a lot of confidence," joked Deb Cox, casting director.

The group got out on the river at around 10:15 a.m., and fished until noon. Lunch was provided and that afternoon there was a ceremony honoring the accomplishments of the women.

"It's empowering for them to learn something new, to know that they can do anything," said Karin Kidd, a volunteer.

"It's about more than just fishing," said Ilene Hirsh, retreat leader. "Fishing is what brings them together. There was a girl here who was shocked that so many people were just like her."

Experienced angler Cox showed participant Nancy Hartman the ropes and after only 20 minutes Hartman was beginning to get the hang of it, only occasionally getting her line tangled in a tree.

"If you need anyone to catch a tree, I'm the one to call," she laughed.

Hartman was diagnosed with breast cancer last July, and after a lumpectomy and chemotherapy, she finished radiation in February.

"I'm just starting to feel like I'm getting my strength back," she said.

Hartman said she felt "blessed" to be a part of the program and said that it was a positive experience.

"Just to be in the trenches with women who have been there is such a gift," she said. "You learn so much from people who have gone through it."

Participant Terrie Lapour said the key to getting through the disease is staying positive.

"Some days take a little more effort," she said.

"You lose your naivete. You don't feel safe anymore," participant Terry Johnson said of the illness. "You are constantly shifting your perspective."

Each participant can only take part in the program once, but for many of the women, one time is enough to make an impact.

"It's almost life-changing for some of these women," Hirsh said of the program. "When they first come, they are a little shy, but by Thursday night they are exchanging stories and sitting around the campfire singing show tunes."

"It's a magical weekend for these ladies," she said. "It's amazing how powerful it can be."