Casting for Recovery...

Mark your calendars! May 15th is the date for the Second Annual Hillbilly Gatherin' and Warm-Fuzzy Fundraiser. It will be held at the Hidden Springs Barn and will once again benefit Idaho's Casting for Recovery.

This year, the Casting for Recovery retreat will be held in Challis, Idaho on June 4-6. If you or someone you know is going through breast cancer or a survivor, you can apply for this wonderful program here. The retreat is free and it's 3 days that you will never forget. You can read about my experience here!



Each state is responsible for raising their own funds to put on this retreat. Since Idaho's program is so new (this will be our 4th retreat) they have had a difficult time raising money. I have been asked to volunteer as their fundraising chair and our Hillbilly Gatherin' will be our main fundraiser.

While last year's event was really fun, this year it will be bigger and better and much more organized. My old buddy, Dave Victor was the most popular DJ in Idaho for many years back in the 70s when KFXD was THE radio station to listen to. Dave now owns Dave Victor's Sound Entertainment and has agreed to provide the hillbilly music for this year's event. Thanks Dave, you're "far out"! I'm also really excited that The Fire Kittens have agreed to come and do a performance free of charge. They do an awesome show with fire!

The reason for this post is to ask for help. I know times are hard. But in order to raise the funds we need we'll be adding an auction to the event. I have so many crafty neighbors and friends that I'm asking (ok begging) you to consider donating something you might think worthy. I'm hoping to find a cash sponsor to pay for the pig and a few other necessities and I'd love to find some donations for stays at lodges or hotels. Artwork, dinners, just about anything you think we could sell at an auction. If you know someone who owns a local business that you think might be interested in helping out, let me know and I'll contact them with the information about the event and the wonderful cause.

So, if you or someone you know would be willing to donate something wonderful for our auction, please let me know! We will truly appreciate any help we can get.

Casting for Recovery was so helpful to me at a time I really needed it. I want to ensure that every Idaho woman who has gone through this dreadful disease is able to enjoy the support and friendship I was able to find through this wonderful program.

I hope to see you all on May 15th and feel free to invite your friends!

Casting For Recovery

Several weeks ago, I won the cancer lottery. I was one of 14 women chosen to participate in Idaho's first Casting for Recovery. It's a retreat for breast cancer survivors/patients where we spent the weekend learning from some of the most awesome women - not only the basics of fly fishing, but probably even more about ourselves.

As I packed my bag for the trip, I thought (just for a moment), should I pack my fake boobs, as I usually do when I travel. For the first time in 5 years, I thought, nope, hopefully there would be others like me. Even if there weren't, I didn't feel like I would be judged or looked at like "what's wrong with her - or is that even a her?"

Yep, for the first time in 5 years, I felt totally comfortable being me. I wish I could go every year, but there are 14 new deserving women here in Idaho who will have the same opportunity next June to experience total acceptance, learn a little bit about fly fishing (I wasn't good but it was SO much fun!) and meet some of the greatest gals you'll ever know.

The picture on the bottom is a few of us at the pond. The picture on the top is the most awesome group of volunteers (all who fly fish) who were there for everything we needed. These women consisted of nurses, a fishing guide on the Salmon River, businesswomen, a doctor, one of only 7 women in the US who holds the title "Master Fly Fishing Instructor" (although I found it much easier to say "Master Caster", and a Thereapist. (although, when I first saw Jodie and her name tag from across the room, I thought it said "Terrorist" - that kind of scared me...)

So, to all of you - cheers. You will always be one of the most special memories I know I will ever have. Let's get together like we said we would. I'll be sending you all an email one of these days with a date for coffee.