Are any TFF members familiar with “Reel Recovery” program to assist fly fishermen that have cancer or recovering from cancer?
http://www.reelrecovery.org/programs.htm

I recall that Big Dale and others have donated time and fly tackle/materials to “Casting for Recovery” for women’s breast cancer victims, but this is a program from men.

A retreat is being held October 14 - 16, 2008 at Joshua Creek Ranch in Boerne, TX, and have requested volunteers to assist cancer patients in fly fishing and related activities.
There is no cost to fly fishing cancer patients or recovering patients.

As a recent cancer survivor myself, it sounds like a worthwhile program, and would like to hear opinions from any participants in the program.

Any of you guys from the Boerne area familiar with this program?
George

It looks like a fine place to give, but do you send them flies like you do Casting For Recovery? They say fly fishing equipment, but I don't see flies listed.

I hadn't heard of that one, looks to be a worthy cause, although as Kelly said, not quite sure how to help.

I just sent them an email asking what all kinds of help they can use.

There is also a page to print out a form to send in cash donos.
http://www.reelrecovery.org/donate.htm

Just got this reply

A couple of forms Stan sent along

Reel Recovery 2008 Texas Buddy letter

Volunteer Information Form

Well what kind of fish does Joshua Creek have?

let me be selfish here for a moment, cancer has been one of if not the most dificult thing i've ever had to deal with, i wish i could have gone to something like this, i fished 3 weeks before i went in for surgery in spring '07, and didn't fish again untill the fall of the same year, at what point i become "recovered", is a mystery to me as i still have to have ct scans & tests every 3 months which makes it kinda hard to put in the back of my mind. even if all is well, cancer has taken many hours & days from me that are forever lost.i wasn't even supposed to "get" cancer yet, i'm not even 50, i would like to help if its something i can do close to home, i can send some flies, if anyone ever needs any help in east texas, i'll do what i can, but all these programs are for a very limited number of participants, and all are very noble efforts, i urge everyone to do what you feel is right to help beat this dreadful disease. geoge, i hope you are doing well.

Well Mike, however you were cured, we are all thankful, and better for knowing you. I know what you mean when you say you were too young to get this. Cancer has no age boundaries really. It has taken people from me that I dearly loved. I too had a horrible experience with my health...but at age 37. As you know, but most here do not...I had arrythmias that were so severe that I had to have a couple of procedures to try and save my life. Luckily the last one kept me alive...for how long I do not know. These kinds of things will change your life, that is for sure. It makes you more empathetic towards others with debilitating illness that is similar. That is why even though I have not had cancer, I would like to help those who have had a traumatic health experience, that was life threatening...or still is. I had open heart surgery at age 38, which is quite rare I guess. I think fishing is a great way to keep it together, and find some peace. It has been something to look forward to for me. I know that others would feel the same, even if they aren't cured, they can get away from it all...even if just for a little while.

I “discovered” this organization a few weeks ago, and as a cancer survivor wanted to go public with it, so no better place than TFF.

Our ladies are much more adept at sharing feelings about cancer than men - real men don’t talk about prostate, testicular and bladder cancer - right?

As Mike says, cancer is devastating and the patients deserve support, prayer, and very best care - male or female.

I decided to go public with my story and this forum provides me with the opportunity.

I have been looking for a cancer group to support and this one seems to fit my needs.
When first diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer I sold my boat and thought my fishin’ days were over.
I sought a second opinion and found the best oncologist/bladder cancer doc at UT Southwestern Medical Center that saved my life.
Tough two years of surgery and chemo.

First chemo failed and I was devastated but my doc changed the cocktail with a new medication, and it worked.
Cancer free for 30 months plus ….. !!!

Want to know what took me through the process?
Between weekly chemo, I would have one day that I could function – with fly rod in hand, prowling the banks of our ponds watching the sun come up – one day at a time.
If this organization deserves our support, I will promote it at all levels of the fly fishing community.
I have been looking for a way to support men’s cancer research and therapy group.

George

Guys, this is an awesome program, and will be an awesome event. Warren came to the FWFF'ers meeting last month, and I was moved at his story. Will be a great time for all who participate. It also sounds like Joshua Creek, will be a great creek to fish, and they will supply all of the gear, and good gear, for anyone who volunteers as a guide, or who goes for the fellowship. If you want to help, do so, by donating flies, giving a donation, or volunteer for the week of your life. If I can, I will go, but going to the Conclave, and Octoberfisch, may keep me from going. We'll see. later, russell

Thanks Dale, your endorsement of the organization was what I was looking for....keep us up-dated.
George

Good morning, glad to see your forum members interest in Reel Recovery and the upcoming fly-fishing retreat for men coping with cancer to be held at Joshua Creek Ranch, Oct. 14-16. I'm Warren Wolf, a volunteer working on the October retreat. My email address is warren@fwculture.com and my toll free phone number is 800-542-2246.
I'll try to address some of the RR related questions that have been posted here.
Reel Recovery is a nationwide program that supports men dealing with any kind of life-threatening cancer with regional fly-fishing retreats. As a past RR participant (Frying Pan River) I experienced first hand the therapeutic benefits of this outstanding program. RR is holding their first retreat in our Great State in October and next year (hopefully) we will be able to offer RR retreats in North, Central and the Coastal region with the help and support of you and members of the Texas fly-fishing community.
How can you help?
Short-term:
We've received several dozen flies that have been donated by various clubs and individuals but we still need more.
We still need additional funding to cover the cost of the October retreat. All donations are tax deductable and 100% of the proceeds will be used to support the retreat.
We appear to be adequately staffed with volunteers for this retreat but we need more (men & women) to apply as alternates in the event a volunteer cancels.
Do you know someone that would benefit by participating in the October retreat? NO FISHING experience is necessary. Please encourage a potential participant to contact Stan Golub 800-699-4490 with Reel Recovery asap. Last I checked there's still room for one or two more men to attend the retreat at Joshua Creek Ranch.
Long-term:
Texas is big, I mean really BIG and there are many men that will benefit from the Reel Recovery program but we can't do anything without the help of volunteers. Get involved, help us bring Reel Recovery to your region. There is no greater gift you can give than the gift of yourself.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Warren

What kind of fish are at Joshua Creek Ranch? (deciding for fly pattern choices)

In October the men will be casting to Bluegill, Small and Largemouth bass. Poppers and foam spiders should work well but maybe you have a secret weapon?
Correction regarding a previous post about tackle. Reel Recovery will provide participants with everything they need. Volunteers may have an opportunity to fish JCR water after the retreat ends on Thursday afternoon and should bring their own tackle/equipment.

Warren, welcome to TFF...
Couple of quick questions....
Are BG, SMB, and LMB native fish or stocked?
Creek or ponds?
If stocked are they pellet trained?
OK - three questions...
Thanks,
George

Hi George, the fish are native and the water is stocked from time-to-time. In December JCR will stock the creek with trout but our men will be there too early for that.
We're fishing a spring fed creek that has some deep water behind a couple of dams. You might like to visit http://joshuacreek.com/
I assume the fish are fed.
Thanks for your support!
WW

The flies are given to the patients, right? Not sold at a reduced price? I see they sell them at the Pro Shop from the Joshua Creek website. (this is I assume for regular folks wanting to fish there, and not cancer patients) But I want to make sure...

Warren, if you can confirm the fish are on a feeding program - I have a "secret" weapon.
I woud like to see the cancer patients to do more catchin' than fishin'...

Good question. A Reel Recovery retreat is free for the participants. They receive first class accommodations, meals, snacks, the use of top quality tackle and equipment, and most importantly, the participants engage in Courage Conversations led by a professional facilitator. Each participant will receive a RR fly box from his "fishing buddy" filled with donated flies.
Hope this covers your question.
Warren

George, I'll touch base with the wildlife manager at JCR and get back to you.
WW

Warren, check your "Personal Message"
George

Good deal. I will have to make some flies up to be given to some of these programs, and this one of course.

oct 14th doesn't leave a lot of time, so i guess i will tie as many bass bugs as i can for a week, then mail them off with one week to get there. I've been tying a rabbit strip divers lately & the fish seem to like them, so thats what i will send.

Oh crud, I forgot about that time frame. No, that does not leave a lot of time at all. I do not even know yet what I would tie. Maybe small streamers...I am not sure. I do not have my fly turner going yet...it is almost ready...but I have no shaft. A kind gentleman on this board sent me a spare motor, and some wonderful flies...and I have it all together now, stand, motor hooked up, cord...just no shaft as it is a metric fitting. I will have to go to a specialty place to get that. I also had my holes drilled in for the stripping basket today. I will try it without the weedeater line first, and see if I need it. I have not made any flies in a few days now...I guess it has been a week actually.