315: Casting for Recovery—Healing on the Stream for Women with Breast Cancer

18-06-2024 • 40 mins

Guest

Susan Gaetz is the executive director for Casting for Recovery, a national nonprofit serving women with breast cancer using the therapeutic sport of fly fishing. Susan has been a fixture at CfR for many years. She began volunteering for the organization 25 years ago. She joined the national staff in 2010 as Regional Program Manager and became Program Director in 2016. She lives in Austin, TX, and holds degrees from Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas at Austin.

My co-host in this episode is Diane Wyzga. Diane is a nurse attorney turned litigation consultant turned story guide. For 30 years, Diane has helped professionals take their story from a message only they could hear to the publishing world, the courtroom, hospitals, board meetings, and the airwaves. Today, as Quarter Moon Story Arts, Diane custom-coaches women committed to discovering their Origin Story so they are seen, heard, understood, and listened to.

Diane is also the host of Stories From Women Who Walk, a long-running global podcast. She will co-publish this episode.

Summary

Our conversation dives into the inspiring work of Casting for Recovery, an organization that provides fly-fishing retreats for women battling breast cancer. Driven in part by her own curiosity about life's next chapter, Susan highlights the transformative power of these retreats.

Three Takeaways:

Healing Through Nature: Casting for Recovery offers unique retreats specifically designed for breast cancer survivors. By combining fly fishing with oncology support, these getaways provide a chance to reconnect with nature, build confidence, and find solace in a supportive community.
The Power of Fly Fishing: More than just a hobby, fly fishing offers therapeutic benefits for recovering women. The gentle act of casting helps with physical rehabilitation and provides a welcome distraction, keeping both mind and body active.
Beyond the Reel: Casting for Recovery goes beyond the basics of fly fishing. Their approach focuses on empowerment, building competence and comfort in the outdoors, and fostering lasting connections among survivors.