Breast Cancer Survivors Gain Strength Fly-Fishing

OCEAN CITY – Survivors of breast cancer have an opportunity to learn a new outdoor sport while enjoying companionship of other survivors and expertise of professionals through “Casting for Recovery,” a national educational and support program that sponsors weekend fly-fishing retreats for women of all ages and stages of recovery.
Retreatees learn the fundamentals of fly-casting, entomology, knot tying and equipment while addressing all aspects of the recovery process: physical, psychological and social.
The act of casting and range of motion is beneficial by increasing blood flow and preventing lymphadema, a very painful condition caused by inactivity in which tissues fill with fluid, said Nina Sullivan, a certified oncology nurse.
Fly-fishing focuses on technique and finesse, gentle motions stretch areas where surgery or radiation has taken place and provides therapy to joints and tissues.
Aside from physical benefits, fly-fishing helps retreatees tap into the soothing and reviving power of nature.
“The act of fly-fishing requires focus on an activity far removed from cancer treatment,” said Jackie Bradley, a volunteer with the program.
Many retreat attendees become fly-fishing aficionados, discovering a healing hobby in beautiful outdoor settings.
Locally, 14 female breast cancer survivors will enjoy a weekend fly-fishing partaking in sport and camaraderie Oct. 2-4 at Outdoor World on Corson Tavern Road in Seaville.
Founded in 1996 by Gwenn Perkins, a renowned fly-fisher, and Benita Walton, a reconstructive surgeon, Casting for Recovery’s mission is to “enhance the lives of breast cancer survivors by offering no-cost retreats tailored to promote and support mental and physical healing through shared experiences and the learning of new skills,” its web site explains.
By the end of 2008, the program served 3,500 women through 224 retreats with the help of over 1,000 volunteers nationwide, the program’s web site explains.
Orvis Sporting Goods provides all fishing gear for the retreats. Trout Unlimited gives all retreat attendees a complimentary membership. Other national sponsors include The Hartford, Under Armour and Albright Tackle.
Casting for Recovery is looking for support from the community in any form.
“We want to pamper the ladies and it is tradition to shower them with small gifts in goodie bags,” Bradley said.
Persons interested in attending a retreat can submit an application by July 24 by phone (888) 553-3500, email info@castingforrecovery.org, or online at www.castingforrecovery.org.
To make a contribution contact Jackie Bradley at (609) 861-3761 or email rabradley50@hotmail.com.
Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 ext. 24 or at: ltruluck@cmcherald.com.