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Professional snowboarder, and cancer survivor, Kimmy Fasani and her husband, skiing icon and artist Chris Benchetler, introduce their new 501(c)3 non-profit, The Benchetler Fasani Foundation. After a recent diagnosis, and recovery, from stage 3 breast cancer, Kimmy sought refuge in the outdoors as part of her healing process. Both Kimmy and Chris have spent decades on the snow as athletes, a place of healing for them both throughout their careers after experiencing the passing of their respective fathers and Kimmy’s mother to cancer.
With the outpouring of support this past year throughout Kimmy’s experience, their calling became clear and the foundation was created to pay it forward for those experiencing similar challenges. BFF is based on a simple mission: to provide a meaningful connection to the outdoors in order to facilitate the healing process for those who have suffered loss or hardship. It will provide outdoor experiences through curated trips with mentors and facilitators best aligned to each individual in an effort to promote healing.
“After sharing my journey this year, the support we’ve had has moved us more than we ever thought possible,” says Fasani. “We’ve also heard from many people in similar hardships and feel that we are in a position to help. We want to empower those struggling on to their own path of healing through nature.”
An online auction at givesmart.com is open through Oct. 14. Up for grabs are a collection of custom items and experiences including a 7-day backcountry heli and cat trip in Hokkaido Japan, limited-edition skis and snowboards, and one-of-a-kind products. Additionally, the auction will showcase exclusive artwork from Chris Benchetler in collaboration with Specialized bikes, Atomic skis, premium giclee prints, and more.
Atomic has also unveiled limited edition t-shirts with all of the proceeds going towards the Benchetler Fasani Foundation at atomic.com. On October 18, Juneshine will be launching a new flavor in honor of Kimmy with two dollars from each purchase going toward the foundation. Limited edition shirts and beanies designed and hand-dyed by Peter Forsythe, one of the original Grateful Dead t-shirt artists, will also be available at bf-foundation.org.