The story of Reel Relief Limited began with a friendship. Matt and Dante first met at fly fishing guide school, quickly connecting as the "old guys" among a younger group. Unlike most students aiming to become full-time guides, Matt and Dante enrolled purely for personal growth and to deepen their passion for fishing. Their bond quickly grew beyond the classroom, extending to their partners, Jennifer and Courtney, and everyone's dogs. 

Matt, Jennifer, Courtney, and Dante frequently explored Colorado and Wyoming rivers, enjoying weekends filled with floating, fishing, and camping. These trips were their collective escape, a refreshing relief from the daily grind, bringing laughter, adventure, and tranquility to their lives. River time was often filled with Jennifer and Courtney talking shop across rafts, never in the same raft, mind you. The dogs would not have allowed such a river collaboration.

Life took a sudden turn when Jennifer was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer. She faced a rigorous and intense treatment plan, enduring 20 exhausting weeks of chemotherapy. The side effects were brutal: severe neuropathy, debilitating nausea, overwhelming fatigue, loss of taste, and drastic drops in blood cell counts. Jennifer demonstrated incredible strength throughout her ordeal, supported by an extraordinary network of family, friends, medical professionals, and her community. 

Quietly at her side was her husband, Matt. His unwavering commitment was clear as he selflessly managed Jennifer’s daily needs—appointments, treatments, nutrition, emotional care—while ensuring their children's stability and positivity. Although surrounded by supportive friends and family, Matt rarely reached out for help, fully absorbed in Jennifer's recovery and caregiving, often setting aside his own well-being.