Reel Recovery: Be Well! Fish On!

Guys, I came across an organization that I want to promo for everyone here on The Other Side Fly-Fishing, both authors and readers. I've never interacted with these guys in any way, but I have been inspired by the work they do on and off the river. This organization is called Reel Recovery.

Reel Recovery is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 by a group of avid anglers who were motivated by their friend’s ongoing struggle with brain cancer. They were able to witness first hand how being on the river impacted their friend in a positive way, and they decided to provide a similar opportunity for other men battling this horrible disease.

Reel Recovery combines expert fly-fishing instruction with directed “courageous conversations” in an effort to provide men with all forms of cancer a unique opportunity to share their stories, learn a new skill, form lasting friendships, and gain renewed hope as they confront the challenges of cancer. Their mission statement is as follows: “The mission of Reel Recovery is to help men in the cancer recovery process by introducing them to the healing powers of the sport of fly-fishing, while providing a safe, supportive environment to explore their personal experiences of cancer with others who share their stories.” HOW SICK AWESOME DOES THAT SOUND?!!?!?!??!

Photo from a Reel Recovery retreat

These guys host regular events called Reel Recover retreats. Though only a few days long, these events can be life-changing experiences physically, emotionally, and spiritually for men battling cancer. These retreats are offered at no cost to the participants, and a maximum of twelve men are invited to participate. Reel Recovery actually just hosted an event outside of Flippin, AR that covered waters in Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. I have no idea how this event went, but I am confident that it was FLIPPIN SWEET (pun intended).

So, how can you and I help? Well, in several ways. Reel Recovery relies on generous supporters to offer these retreats at no cost. We can all help these guys build the organization and serve more men suffering from cancer by making a financial donation, by contributing fly-fishing equipment, or by volunteering to help coordinate or staff one of their retreats. To find out more information, or to make a donation, visit their website.

Photos taken from Reel Recovery Website