David Caravella
Classroom Coordinator; Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning
David has always been an avid outdoorsman appreciating both hunting and fishing. After his own battle with cancer, David has found a passion that pairs his love of the outdoors, with his desire to help others cope with their cancer recovery. In 2010, David became the first Missouri Coordinator for Reel Recovery, a program that introduces men in the cancer recovery process to the healing powers of sport fly-fishing, while providing a safe, supportive environment to explore their personal experiences with other men who can relate through their own cancer stories (www.reelrecoverymo.org).
After attending an Arkansas Reel Recovery retreat in 2008, David realized the vital role the organization played for men with cancer and soon began volunteering. In 2010, he was asked to serve in the volunteer position of Reel Recovery’s Missouri Coordinator, a position he was honored to accept. David made a commitment to organize and fund raise to bring annual Reel Recovery retreats to Missouri. David states, “there is no charge for the three-day retreat held in Rockbridge, MO and we not only serve men in our State, but also Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia. We welcome any man who currently has cancer or is in remission.”
Reel Recovery was founded in 2003 by a group of avid fly-fishers, inspired by their fishing buddy’s ongoing battle with brain cancer. Witnessing first-hand the beneficial impact fly-fishing provided their friend, they
created Reel Recovery to provide the same opportunity for other men battling the disease. Combining expert fly-fishing instruction with directed “courageous conversations”, the organization provides men with all forms of cancer a unique opportunity to share their stories, learn a new skill, form lasting friendships and gain renewed hope as they confront the challenges of cancer.
For his passion, inspiration and leadership in community involvement we are pleased to recognize David Caravella as the February 2014 Public Affairs Staff Spotlight!