Casting for Recovery is a national, non-profit organization offering retreats for women who have or are recovering from breast cancer. The weekend retreat program promotes healing by combining fly-fishing and catch-and-release lessons with counseling and education. The program, started in 1996 by breast cancer survivor Lori Simon, now operates in 27 states. Since its inception, the program has remained completely free to accepted applicants. High demand and limited spots have forced the program to turn away many eligible applicants.  Fortunately, that’s about to change.

Hartford Group, Casting for Recovery’s lead supporter since 2006, has pledged enough support for the program to expand into all 50 states. This expansion comes in a time where many other nonprofit organizations are struggling to survive. Nonetheless, the program’s effectiveness and high demand has caught Hartford Group’s attention. Connie Weaver, vice president of marketing and communications, had this to say: "You need only hear one woman's story of how her life was changed by attending a retreat to know why we decided to become the organization's leading national supporter three years ago. It is a privilege to be a part of a process that enables a woman to move forward after breast cancer surgery and to continue the process of renewal."

Lori Simon, now the program’s executive director, says that the organization will still need to more than a 1,000 volunteers to effectuate the expansion. Simon’s not worried, though, stating "breast cancer touches just about every family in America. So when the call goes out for volunteers, people from all walks of life step up."

For Floridian breast cancer survivors: Casting for Recovery is currently accepting applications for its November 5-7 retreat in Titusville, FL. Applications are due by August 27. Check their website for more information.