BY THE NUMBERS
12 Participant slots for the 2015 Georgia Casting for Confidence event
82 Percentage of Georgia victims who survive breast cancer
124 Breast-cancer victims per 100,000 women in Georgia
The mission of the Georgia Women Fly Fishers is to introduce women to the sport of fly fishing in a supportive, noncompetitive environment. The club’s stated day-to-day goal is to fish and have fun.
But, this group of metro Atlanta ladies is about more than just catching fish. They also are using their favorite sport to help heal the wounds of victims of breast cancer.
The women anglers began sponsoring Casting for Confidence events in 2002. The CFC events are held at Frog Hollow, a private fly-fishing venue on North Georgia’s Chestatee River. The purpose is to offer a safe and reflective environment for participants to talk to other breast-cancer survivors about their shared experience and gain support in recovery.
The gentle, rhythmic motion of fly casting is similar to exercises to stretch soft tissue that often are prescribed after surgery or radiation treatments. Adopting the sport also gives survivors a form of healing connection with nature, and an activity they can continue throughout their recovery.
The events are open to any woman recovering from breast cancer and in particular those just beginning to resume normal activity after surgery or chemotherapy.
The club provides expert fly-fishing instructors for classroom guidance, casting lessons and fishing the river for trout. All the required fishing gear, a barbecue lunch and snacks are included.
There is no cost for participating in the event, but space is limited. Preference is given to those having never previously attended a CFC event.
The next CFC day takes place on Oct. 10. The deadline for applications to participate is Sept. 21.
Contact GWFF President Carolyn Emery at 404-414-3796 or via e-mail at cvemery@aol.com for more details or applications to participate in the CFC event. Visit georgiawomenflyfishers.com for more information on the GWFF club meetings and other activities.
