An Interview with Jen Lofgren, Senior Program Manager of Casting for Recovery.

Team Cheeky sat down with Senior Program Manager for Casting for Recovery, Jen Lofgren to learn ad share more about what CfR is, does, and how you can help support them during Breast Cancer Awareness month...October.

For anyone who might not know, can you tell us about CfR? 

Casting for Recovery (CfR)is a national nonprofit that provides free 2½-day outdoor retreats for women with breast cancer, regardless of their age or stage of treatment or recovery. These retreats combine wellness support from oncology professionals, peer connections, fly fishing, and the therapeutic benefits of nature, offering an opportunity for women to connect, learn, and heal in a beautiful setting. 

How did you get involved with CfR? 

I first learned about the organization while managing an Orvis store in Denver. As an avid angler and former guide, I was eager to get involved. I began volunteering with the Colorado program in 2012 and joined the national staff in 2018.

October is breast cancer awareness month - can you tell us about the impact CfR has had on those who have been a part of programs? 

It's truly a life-changing experience, not only for the participants, but also for the volunteers. It's difficult to describe how much transpires in a 2 1/2 day retreat, but it is so powerful. For someone who has received a cancer diagnosis, it's such a welcome respite to focus on something other than cancer. 

Spending time in nature, out on the water, is good for any of us going through a challenging time. It's also the first time that many of the women have had an opportunity to speak with another woman with breast cancer. The power in shared experiences, even if they are vastly different, is so important. 

As a volunteer and staff member, I can say this about how it has impacted my life: it's the most incredible thing I have ever been fortunate enough to be a part of, and I feel like the luckiest woman alive to be able to do what I do for a living. 

What is your favorite part about working with CfR? 

I love our program because it’s truly unique. The work we do is important because it gets people outdoors, teaches them new skills, builds confidence, and creates a space for women with breast cancer to connect with each other. It also provides an opportunity to speak with oncology wellness professionals and ask questions in a safe environment.

I’m a strong believer in the healing power of nature, and I love that it’s at the heart of what we do. We’re excited to keep building on our model, and 2026 will mark our 30th anniversary!

What will the proceeds of this Sweepstakes fund? 

This giveaway is a tremendous opportunity for us to reach more women with breast cancer nationwide and continue expanding our programs. In 2024, we hosted nearly 60 retreats, including the launch of a new program in Hawaii and our first Alaska Native retreat in Kenai. We also introduced another stage 4 retreat in Nebraska, specifically for women with metastatic breast cancer. 

Cheeky has proudly supported and worked with CfR for a while now - what can you tell us about working with Cheeky? 

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the nicest people through Cheeky—Ted Upton, Ellen Wright, Walker Crisp, Abbie Schuster, among others. They’re such a blast to be around, and I always look forward to catching up with them at trade shows. Plus, I really love Cheeky products—they make some fantastic reels!

You fished in your first Cheeky tournament last May? What attracted you to this event, how was your first experience? And what were a few highlights? 

I’ve always wanted to attend the Cheeky Schoolie and give striper fishing a try. I also really admire the tournament’s conservation focus and the work of the organizations involved, like Keep Fish Wet, Stripers Forever, and ASGA. This year, Susan Gaetz, the Executive Director of CfR, and I decided to sign up—and we had a blast!

From Abbie Schuster’s Kismet Outfitters women’s clinic to fishing in the pouring rain, measuring random objects with the fish tape, meeting great people, and making new friends, it was an incredible experience. We also got to support important causes and enjoy some amazing New England food. And best of all—I caught my first striper!

I’m officially hooked, and Susan and I are already planning to go back next year!