8 Men, Bonded By Cancer, Share A Trip Of A Lifetime Fly Fishing In Down East Maine

GRAND LAKE STREAM, Maine — The lawn outside the main lodge at Weatherby’s Resort was abuzz with excitement on Thursday morning. Decked out in their waders, the participants and volunteers in Maine’s second Reel Recovery retreat chatted before heading to the iconic fly fishing waters of Grand Lake Stream. Eight men from Maine, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Virginia and New Hampshire made the trip for the chance to wet a line and experience the calm and beauty of this picturesque town.The road to Grand Lake Stream has been long, and often difficult, for the group of men coping with cancer. Reel Recovery is a nonprofit formed in 2003 to help men recovering from cancer by introducing them to fly fishing in a safe, supportive environment designed to help them share their experiences. After wrapping up one of their “Courageous Conversations,” during which the men privately shared some of their personal struggles, they still had one important task. Reel Recovery Executive Director Stan Golub gathered the group in a circle for the traditional vest ceremony. Retreat participants select a fly fishing vest to wear during their stay.