Stephan Bunker, left, and Mike Pratico, ReelRecovery facilitator at Grant’s Kennebago Camps,  Rangeley. Submitted

This headline deserves some clarification for sure. Let me attempt.  While enjoying the many vendors and displays along Broadway in downtown Farmington during the Summerfest event this September, I came across a gentleman sitting under a canopy. He was selling raffle tickets for a fly-fishing rod. As a likely non-profit group, I stopped and bought a few tickets to help him out.

I engaged him as to exactly what his banner, “Reel Recovery” was all about.  What I learned was this was a nation-wide non-profit organization that provides an opportunity for men battling cancer to gather together, bond, share their experiences, and enjoy the sport of fly-fishing.  As I qualified for this experience, I jumped at the chance.

I learned that these all-expense-paid three-day adventures are offered around the US in the most beautiful locations, including in Rangeley, Maine this September! Unfortunately, these few slots are quickly taken, but I was encouraged to at least add my name on-line to be on a waiting list for next year.

As fate would have it, there was a cancellation just three days before the event start and my name was chosen to fill in! I packed my bags and headed for Grant’s Kennebago Camps above Rangeley, nine miles in on a private dirt road. I was met with a dozen men from 40s to 70s, suffering from virtually every form of cancer, from around Maine and New England.

This gathering combined fly-fishing with sessions called “courageous conversations”, facilitated by trained staff, where we shared our disease types, our battles with treatment, our fears, some tears, and most importantly our hopes for survival and return to health.

In sharing our stories together, we formed lasting friendships, strengthened hope, and a support network that would be there for each other as we face treatment challenges.

But, to balance out the courageous conversations, we experienced three great days of super weather in a beautiful lakefront setting. We shared comfortable log cabins and a central lodge where we gathered for delightful meals.

And, although many of us had little or no fly-fishing experience, we had exciting ventures in both brook and lake fishing. All fishing gear was provided, and we were treated to individual volunteer guides, who were the most patient coaches and teachers.  I am happy to report that despite my amateur casting technique, I caught many beautiful brook trout and enjoyed a catch and release gesture to celebrate long life.

So, you now know where cancer and fly-fishing came together.  This was a once in a lifetime experience for me in my journey. It gave me the strength and courage to move forward with my life.  I would encourage any man who is experiences the challenges of cancer to make application to the Reel Recovery organization. Go to ReelRecovery.org to read more about the organization, how to apply and opportunities to donate to this most worthy 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.