Reel Kids, Real Living
NNCCF has partnered with the High Sierra Fly Casters to host Reel Kids, Real Living, an annual fly-fishing retreat for northern Nevada childhood cancer patients and their families. More than 20 pro fly-fishing guides volunteer their time at the retreat to teach patients and their families how to perfect their casting technique and improve their skills. The full day of fishing takes place at the Pleasant Valley Fly-fishing Reserve in Markleeville, California. Designed to develop group support and provide a reservoir of personal hope for children in need, the Reel Kids, Real Living program provides a safe, reflective environment for participants to discuss the disease and coping mechanisms with other local families that have faced similar experiences.
The 2010 retreat was held on Saturday, August 7, 2010. Participants enjoyed perfect weather, huge fish and great company. Thank you to the High Sierra Fly Casters, volunteers, donors and families that attended. We look forward to the 2011 retreat.
I wanted to send you a **BIG** thank you for letting us participate in the fly fishing day. We all had a fantastic day, and Ethan was just totally blown away! He kept telling me “this is the real outdoors mom!” Everything was incredible. The location, the weather, the families, the food, and most of all the High Sierra Fly Casters volunteers. What an amazing group of people! After catching six fish (and breaking one rod-sorry!) Ethan couldn’t have been happier. It’s days like this that help fade the not-so-good memories kids like Ethan have after going through treatment. Thank you. Please pass on our thanks and appreciation to all the folks who put this day together. Particularly to James, Ethan’s “buddy.” He was wonderful, and quite the inspiration. I’ve now got a wannabe fly fisherman on my hands! - Katya, Rob & Ethan