The Access Foundation has awarded funding to Casting for Recovery (CfR) to support its 2025 Maine retreat, a programme that gives women living with breast cancer the chance to connect with nature, find peer support, and build strength and confidence through the therapeutic sport of fly fishing.
Casting for Recovery was founded in 1996 by a professional fly fisher and a breast cancer reconstructive surgeon, who believed the sport could provide both physical therapy and emotional healing for women during and after treatment. Nearly 30 years later, the charity has grown into a national organisation with 45 programmes across the United States, hosting up to 60 annual retreats and supporting around 750 women every year.
CfR’s vision is to enhance the quality of life for women with breast cancer by combining education, peer support and ecotherapy. Each retreat takes women out of a clinical setting and places them in a safe, natural environment, where they can share experiences, learn new coping skills, and discover the joy of outdoor activity.
The Foundation’s grant will help fund the Maine retreat at Bald Mountain Camps, taking place from May 30 – June 1, 2025. Over two and a half days, 14 participants will take part in:
- Medical and psychosocial sessions, led by licensed facilitators on topics such as nutrition, exercise, stress relief and mindfulness.
- Support group activities and one-to-one counselling, creating space for women to share openly and receive guidance.
- Fly fishing lessons with volunteer guides, offering both physical therapy and a new way to experience nature.
- Outdoor activities and ecotherapy, from yoga and hiking to simple time in the natural surroundings, encouraging women to carry these practices into daily life.
Since its inception, Casting for Recovery has transformed the lives of more than 12,500 women. Research shows that participants leave retreats with reduced stress, stronger support networks and a renewed sense of empowerment.
As one past participant shared: “Before the retreat, I felt isolated. Casting for Recovery gave me hope, friendships and the confidence to believe in life after cancer.”
With the support of The Access Foundation, the 2025 Maine retreat will continue this legacy — helping more women find healing, connection and joy on their journey beyond breast cancer.
