A NEW ERA FOR BREAST CANCER SUPPORT: CASTING FOR RECOVERY—THE FLY ROD IS PASSED

Casting for Recovery (CFR), a national non-profit support and educational organization for breast cancer survivors whose motto is "To Fish Is To Hope", is making the transition to the next generation of leadership as the fly rod is passed from the original Executive Director Seline Skoug to Lori Simon, who joins CFR as Executive Director from service as Montana State Director of the "grandfather" of grassroots-based organizations, the March of Dimes.

This program for breast cancer survivors that has assisted 3,500 women and expanded its program delivery fifteen-fold since it began in 1996 is entering a new era. It's a testament to the power of a grassroots-based volunteer structure that continues to have a positive impact on the lives of those it serves.

Outgoing Executive Director Seline Skoug says "I'm proud to welcome Lori on board at the completion of our best year ever. We delivered 37 retreat programs in 28 states in 2008, harnessed the passion and organizational skills of 1,000 volunteers, and set new records not only for engaging the generosity of more donors and national sponsors than ever, but in increasing the percentage of our funding that goes directly to program delivery.The last ten years has been an incredible journey, and I'm proud to be "passing the fly rod" on at this time, knowing that I'm able to move on while leaving a strong organization that has brought new hope and healing to women-one by one-in experienced hands. Change is always challenging, yet as CFR has always been unique in its ability to work intelligently and react capably to each new demand on its resources, I'm confident that we've set the foundation for healthy growth. "

Lori Simon adds "I'm thrilled to be able to work with Seline as we move to the next stage in delivering our services to women. The incredible power of volunteers that Casting for Recovery is able to engage is one of the major reasons I was attracted to this organization. CFR's record of organic growth is based on a mindful attention to quality and mission. This, as well as the skills and enthusiasm that our dedicated staff and volunteers bring to us, makes me particularly confident that even during these challenging times our generous donors, who share a passion for our mission, will help us meet the continued high demand for our life-changing program."

Casting for Recovery retreats incorporate counseling, educational services and fly fishing to promote physical and mental healing, and provide an opportunity for women whose lives have been profoundly affected by breast cancer to gather in a beautiful, natural setting and learn fly-fishing, "a sport for life". In 2009 42 retreats are scheduled in 27 states, serving women across the country.

Programs are offered at no cost to the participants. Numerous medical and psychosocial professionals and institutions consider Casting for Recovery one of the leading programs providing support for women with breast cancer.

Casting for Recovery is supported by generous donations from individuals, and national sponsors include The Hartford (www.thehartford.com), a Fortune 100 company that is one of the nation's largest financial services and insurance companies and a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products, and business property and casualty insurance; Under Armour® (www.underarmour.com), a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories; and Albright Tackle, LLC (www.albrighttackle.com), a leading manufacturer of fly-fishing equipment.