Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

What a great year it was!From our visits to fly fishing shows to spread the word about our retreat programs, to presentations at local hospitals, cancer centers and support groups, then on to the retreats along the river banks of some wonderful trout waters, we had fun – all year long.

We’re grateful for the enduring and giving support of our awesome volunteers and to the vendors, guides, shops and enthusiastic communities that lent a helping hand, donations, and their time to make our retreat programs the best for the women cancer survivors who attend.

Here’s to the many friendships made along the river banks, the genuine support in our battles, the joys of high-fiving another year of a clean-slate of health, the knowledge that you’re not alone, the ability to step out into a new activity and setting – testing your faith and trust in others again, the thrill of watching a fish rise to your fly, the infectious laughter that heals, the authenticity of others, and the renewal of spirit that leads to the renewal of hope.

Who would have thought we’d have so much to cherish.

Here are some fun retreats stats to enjoy:

• 178 Participants
• 224 Volunteers
• 201 Trout caught and released
• 299 Trout long distance released
• 381 Flies lost (that we know about…)
• 122 Bags of ice used
• 2,497 Waters, sodas and juice
• 27 Fish kissed
• 4 Fisheries biologists – one that was an expert “wader”
• 41 New Trout Unlimited memberships
• 94 Makeovers and Healing Touch Sessions
• 18 Au Sable River body surfers
• 964,800+ Casts made
• 226,576+ Hugs shared
• 566,440+ Smiles brightening the world
• 150 Julie Gates’ Waldorf salads consumed
• Countless and Priceless – All the memories and laughter

And everyday, we’re remembering to Fish On!