But that seems to be changing.

My stepmother is a breast cancer survivor, but she and my father live in another town and I didn't witness what she went through during her battle.

I watched helplessly as a great friend and mentor of mine at The Tribune lived through the diagnosis and eventual loss of his wife.

And several months ago a good friend of ours, Rich, was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Rich has handled his situation with an amazingly positive attitude. He has shared play-by-play details in a blog of his fight with cancer and how it has changed his life. I admire his courage not only in battling his cancer, but in sharing his hope for all to see on the Internet. He truly is an inspiration.

Not everybody is as comfortable as he is in sharing the tribulations of having cancer. Finding others going through the same emotions and issues is a relief not only for cancer patients, but also for their families and friends.

In June 2005, I attended a Reel Recovery retreat at Falcon's Ledge lodge in the Uinta Basin. I knew the mission of the nonprofit group is to provide free fly-fishing retreats for men battling cancer and I expected things to get a little emotional, but I was not prepared for the impact the experience would have on my life.

I watched as men shared the grief and stress of having cancer with each other in what Reel Recovery calls "Courageous Conversations." A participant told me while we were fishing that he had never been so candid as he was during those group sessions. He said he felt safe sharing his feelings and relieved that he wasn't "burdening anybody because they all know exactly how I feel."

Seeing the participants catch fish at three Utah Reel Recovery retreats each year is alone worth the cost of the program, but it is the bonding and the therapy of the group sessions that is the real magic of the event.

That's why I'm proud to serve as the host of the third annual Reel Recovery Charity Bash on April 3 at Trio near the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. There will be light food and a wine tasting from 6 to 9 p.m., with silent and live auctions. Some great people and companies have donated items for the auctions, so come pick something you need for your outdoor experiences and help send men with cancer on some adventures of their own.

Our friend Rich may pass on the opportunity to take part in a retreat, or his health may prevent him from doing so, but at least I know the program is available to him and others, and that makes a world of difference to me. I hope to see you at the event.

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* BRETT PRETTYMAN can be contacted at brettp@sltrib.com or 801-257-8902.

Reel Recovery Charity Bash

Reel Recovery is a nonprofit organization that holds free fly-fishing retreats for men battling cancer.

* The third annual Reel Recovery Charity Bash is April 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Trio Café Cottonwood, 6405 S. 3000 East, Holladay.

* Tickets are $40 per person and will be available at the door.

* Visit www.reelrecovery.org or call 800-699-4490 for more information.