Reel Recovery is a national non-profit organization that conducts FREE fly-fishing retreats for men living with all forms of cancer. The organization was founded in 2003 by a group of avid fly-fishers, after witnessing first-hand the beneficial impact fly fishing provided their friend who was battling brain cancer. Warren Wolf brought Reel Recovery to Texas in 2008 after attending a 2007 retreat in Colorado. Warren succumbed to his cancer May, 2011, but before his passing, Warren organized a core group of volunteers inspired to continue his mission to provide more retreats to serve more Texas and Oklahoma men living with cancer.
Reel Recovery combines introductory fly- fishing instruction with directed "Courageous Conversations". The organization offers a unique experience for men living with cancer, a time to share their stories; learn a new skill, form friendships and gain renewed hope as they confront the challenges of their recovery. Retreats are conducted over a 2 1/2 day period at a comfortable facility with onsite or nearby fishing access. Fly-fishing is an experience that provides relaxation, fun, self-gratification and an escape from daily routines. Fishing buddies are assigned to each participant to teach basic fly-fishing techniques, a connection with nature and a new skill they can continue to enjoy throughout their recovery and lifetime.
Retreat participants share their stories of how living with cancer has affected their lives. Facilitated by a counseling professional, "Courageous Conversations" allow each participant to express their innermost feelings about their life today. Reel Recovery retreats are often described by participants as a "Brotherhood", a camaraderie among men who share the same life-changing events. The bonds that are created among the participants result in lasting friendships that provide strength and hope to one another for a lifetime.
Participants share that they leave a Reel Recovery retreat with renewed hope, a better outlook on life, a deeper appreciation for their care givers and family, and the comfort of knowing they are not alone in their fight.
All meals, lodging and fly-fishing equipment are provided at no cost to the participants. Retreats are led by volunteers, including professional facilitators, trained retreat coordinators and fly-fishing buddies for the participants. A maximum of 14 men are invited to participate, to ensure the quality of the instruction and to create a powerful small- group dynamic
Mission & Purpose
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.
Our purpose is to address the growing demand for and limited supply of support services specifically tailored for men with cancer. Our overarching goal is to improve the lives of the men we serve. We seek to give these courageous men a respite from their day-to-day concerns so that they might gain a fresh outlook on their fight with cancer; we facilitate discussions that give them strength, encouragement and a new network of friends and support; we provide cancer information and resources to enable better management of their disease; and we provide them new skills to bring joy, enthusiasm and renewed hope as they confront the challenges of their cancer survivorship.
Program Goals
- To provide a safe, reflective environment for the participants to discuss their cancer experience with other men who have gone through it too, thereby providing support and information to help them in their recovery.
- To provide introductory fly-fishing instruction that enables the participants to learn a new skill, form a healing connection with nature, and participate in a sport they can continue throughout their recovery and lifetime.
- To provide participants information about cancer-related resources, both in the local community and nationally, to facilitate networking and enhanced management of their recovery.
The Texas Chapter of Reel Recovery has budgeted $20,000 to support the two 2025 North Texas retreats held in Glen Rose, TX, April 25-27 and September 26-28. Our goal is to raise $10,000 of the 2025 North Texas Budget during North Texas Giving Day.
The total Texas Budget for our six 2025 retreats is $60,000- $70,000. Our six Texas retreats have the annual capacity to serve up to 84 courageous men living living with cancer. Texas has served over 620 Men in 58 retreats since our first retreat in 2008.
Because we provide our retreats at no charge to the men who attend, Reel Recovery is wholly supported by donations from businesses, organizations, foundations and individuals. We are determined to keep our retreats free, so as to eliminate any financial barriers to participation, and to avoid adding burdens to men already dealing with numerous hardships.
Organization name
Reel Recovery, Inc.
Causes
Health Care, Veterans
Operating Budget
$250,000 - $499,999
Counties Served
Wise, Tarrant, Somervell, Rockwall, Parker, Palo Pinto, Navarro, Montague, Kaufman, Johnson, Hunt, Hood, Grayson, Fannin, Erath, Ellis, Denton, Dallas, Cooke, Collin
Address
Reel Recovery , Texas Chapter P.O. Box 1942