Casting for Recovery

Tools

By Jared Bray

Story Published: Jan 7, 2010 at 7:00 PM MST

Story Updated: Jan 7, 2010 at 6:57 PM MST

BILLINGS - For most Montanans fly fishing is a sport or a hobby, but for others it's much more than that, it's a way to recover from cancer.

When Billings Clinic patients Linda Burger and Pat Jaffray were diagnosed with cancer they experienced the gowns, needles and treatment that comes with the illness. But they also found a special program called Casting for Recovery.

"We made so many friends, learned so much and not just about fly fishing which was wonderful, but they had nurses and different physicians up there," said Burger.

"We were taught how to cast and I realized that fly fishing is not just a sport, but it's an absolute art," added Jaffray.

The benefits of fly-fishing go far beyond the catch. A volunteer says Casting for Recovery patients find confidence, peace and friends.

"The quality of life and the quality of companionship that I felt on the weekend with the other women who were breast cancer survivors was just the most incredible experience," said Alice Golden.

Casting for Recovery is just one of four groups that partners with the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association to offer outdoor therapy. Other foundations include Honored American Veterans Afield, Hunt of a Lifetime and Catch a Dream.

"Rejuvenating ourselves in the outdoors, the therapy there, the companionships that are built around the fire, boat, trout stream, mountain and valley are all critically important and sometimes, based on some testimonies we received are the most crucial part of any medical therapy that these people can be given," said Catch a Dream Foundation Director, Marty Brunson.

Brunson adds many of patients he works with are sick and tired of being sick and tired and that these guided trips are a great way for them to escape and recover.

Friday night the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association will hold its annual fund raising banquet and auction. The event is expected to raise more than $32,000 dollars for the therapeutic programs.

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