“The ranch was serene and beautiful. There were great places to wander and explore,” said Cheryl Prunty , who has been a cancer survivor since 1995. “The animals were so fun; we could hear the donkeys and horses along with all the wonderful sounds of nature from the window of our room.” Much of Friday is spent getting to know one another and laying out the plans for the weekend. Many of the participants recalled connecting right away. “What stood out to me the most wasn't a moment, but the feelings,” said Laurenz. “I didn’t expect to have the kinship we had or feel the love I had for the group.” Saturday included a “morning mindfulness” hike and learning the ins and outs of fly fishing. The ladies were fitted for their boots and waders and went over fly fishing knots. One of the main reasons fly fishing is chosen for this particular retreat is because of the gentle motion of fly casting, which serves as physical therapy to those who have undergone radiation or surgery, while also connecting to nature. Guides are matched with each attendee. “Sandy and I spend a good amount of time pairing the retreat participants and fly fishing guides up based on personalities, common interests, and mutual connections,” said Schultz. “It’s so fun watching the anticipation to go fishing build throughout the weekend.” IT’S HISTORY Casting for Recovery was founded in 1996 in Manchester, VT by a breast reconstruction surgeon and a professional fly fisher.
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