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A Summer OF CREATING MOMENTS OF JOY, CONNECTION & HOPE

September 15, 2026


A heartfelt thank you to our incredible donors. Your generosity is a beacon of light for families facing some of their darkest hours, and we are profoundly grateful that you have chosen to support our mission here at BFF. Because of your kindness and continued support, we were able to provide more than $15,000 in donations to families this summer. What an incredible reminder of what is possible when our community comes together to lift one another up. We are so grateful to have you alongside us on this journey.



Finding Stillness in the Austrian Alps

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We were able to introduce a wonderful family to the Austrian Alps after the devastating death of their child, giving them something they so desperately needed: time away in nature and the space to simply breathe.  Surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and landscape far from home, they were able to step away from the weight of what they've been carrying, reconnect with one another, and find moments of strength, stillness, and peace.


A Peaceful Escape on the Island of Kauai

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One recipient and her family were able to take a much needed break between treatments and travel to the beautiful island of Kauai for their dream vacation.

 

After facing years of rigorous medical treatment for stage 4 breast cancer, this time together offered their family a chance to slow down, be present, and create beautiful memories in a place they had dreamed of visiting together.  Shortly after returning home, she entered hospice care, and its with heavy hearts we share that she passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, surrounded by her family.

 

If you feel so inclined, you can support her family directly through their GoFundMe page using the link below.



Supporting a Local Cancer Warrior

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Closer to home, your donations funded immediate relief for a local community member fighting cancer. Helping relieve day-to-day burdens so her energy could remain focused on healing.


3 Years Of Impact

May 1, 2026


Over the past three years, the Benchetler Fasani Foundation (BFF) has grown from a heartfelt idea of ours into a source of hope, healing, and adventure for individuals and families in Mammoth Lakes, Inyo/Mono counties, and beyond. What began with our personal loss of loved ones and Kimmy's cancer diagnosis, has blossomed into a movement that uplifts people facing cancer, loss, mental health challenges, and other hardships.

 

Year One (2023): A Journey Of Courage & Adventure

Our very first scholarship recipient set the tone for everything the Benchetler Fasani Foundation would become. Just months after completing treatment for a rare case of Burkitt non‑Hodgkin lymphoma, this remarkable 18-year-old and his mother traveled from the Pacific Northwest to Mammoth Lakes to spend three unforgettable days with us. Together with the support and expertise of Sierra Mountain Guides & Mammoth Mountain, we climbed Crystal Crag, skied springtime laps, mountain biked, shared stories of resilience, and rediscovered joy through adventure in our very own backyard.

Those three days weren’t just a trip. They were a celebration of survival, strength, and the belief that healing continues when you’re surrounded by nature and people who truly care. One of our biggest take aways from this inaugural experience was how helpful and needed this time in nature was for the cancer survivor and also his mother, the caregiver. What we learned in our first adventure became the heartbeat of our foundation.

 

Year Two (2024): Climbing Mountains Together

In our second year, BFF expanded its reach in a deeply meaningful way. We hosted a rejuvenating outdoor weekend for four local individuals, each navigating their own journey through loss and cancer. With the support of local businesses, we were able to offer opportunities to connect to nature and provide tools to help these individuals navigate their grief. Yoga Eastern Sierra (YES), Sierra Mountain Guides, Mammoth Mountain and a local mental health advocate provided adventure opportunities, proper gear, and both physical and emotional support that these individuals needed to climb mountains both physically and emotionally.

Watching them rise above their own internal struggles and bond through their hardships was nothing short of inspiring. This year reaffirmed something we’ve always believed:Nature truly does provide a sense of healing and connection.

 

Year Three (2025): Expanding Support & Deepening Impact

In 2025, we reached a powerful new milestone in our mission to uplift those facing hardship.

We distributed over $21,000 directly supporting individuals and families navigating:

  • Cancer

  • Loss and grief

  • Mental health challenges

  • Wildfire devastation

  • Injury and physical rehabilitation

These donations provided stability, relief, and hope during life’s most difficult moments. Combined with our adventure‑based programs from previous years, this financial support allowed us to meet people exactly where they were. Offering both practical help and emotional encouragement.

 

We’re Still Here & We’re Just Getting Started

From the outside it looks like we’ve been somewhat quiet, but please know our small team has been working behind the scenes with people in need. Our mission is not complete. We’ve continued searching for meaningful ways to uplift people through hardship, through the healing power of nature, and the inspiration found in the creative arts. 

In the coming months, we’ll be sharing expanded opportunities and fresh ways to connect with our community. We are not stopping. In fact, we’ve only just begun.

 

With Your Support, Our Impact Reaches Even Further

Because of your generosity, we’ve been able to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people throughout numerous communities. Every scholarship, every outdoor experience, every donation, and every moment of healing we’ve witnessed has been fueled by your belief in this mission.

 

How You Can Support Our Mission

Your involvement fuels everything we do. Here are a few ways to stay connected:

 

  • DONATE to support scholarships, grants, and programming

  • SHARE our mission with friends, family, and local partners

  • FOLLOW us on social media and be part of the journey as it unfolds

     

    THANK YOU for being part of the Benchetler Fasani Foundation.

2024 Program Recap

September 17, 2025


The Benchetler Fasani Foundation had the privilege of meeting four individuals for the `24 program. Early in the year, the team at BFF envisioned a program that would offer a rejuvenating experience outdoors to local individuals who have experienced hardship. Inyo and Mono County provide beautiful terrain for outdoor adventures, but access does not look the same for everyone. The team at BFF curated a program that would help decrease barriers to various activities. The foundation partnered with local businesses that provided the participants with appropriate gear and emotional/mental support so that they could feel confident and capable participating in new experiences.



To start the first day, the participants were fitted into climbing gear by Sierra Mountain Guides and hiked up Crystal Lake trail. During the short hike, the guides took the opportunity to begin the trust process with the participants. Stories and laughter could be heard as the group moved their way up the forest landscape. The lessons began when the group arrived around Crystal Lake. The guides, Howie and Paloma, provided a safe place to teach the basics of multi pitch climbing. Once they felt the participants were ready, the group moved up the trail and settled under the towering Crystal Crag. The energy was buzzing! The participants shared how nervous they were to approach such an intimidating project. Kimmy, BFF founder, gave wise words to increase the participants’ confidence. After an inspiring message, the group began moving up the crag. Magic happened during the process of navigating hand and foot holds. Camaraderie was present as they shared words of encouragement with each other.  After the group was done, they were radiating positive energy. The fear from the morning was replaced with pride. They did that! They took the opportunity to show themselves that humans can do hard things. After a physically and mentally challenging activity, the group met with a local mental health professional and advocate. During this time, Gabbi, AMFT, provided a safe place for the participants to decompress. Gabbi also introduced different tools that provide a healthy way to process daily stressors. The participants shared that they were able to connect with Gabbi and the therapeutic experience.



After a day of high energy, BFF partnered with Yoga Eastern Sierra to provide activities that encourage mindfulness and body connection. The second day started at Silver Lake where E, the owner of Y.E.S., took the participants down the “Jungle Cruise” on stand-up paddle boards. E encouraged them to be aware of their surroundings and take note of the calmness that they witnessed while being on the tranquil water. After the cruise, the participants met on a grassy patch to practice restorative yoga. E led the participants in a much-needed gentle flow to help alleviate tension that could be stored in the body. E’s peaceful tone matched the serene landscape of calm lake water and the occasional swimming duck. Later in the evening, the group met back up with E at the lakes basin to continue exploring practices that promote mindfulness. Before the main afternoon activity, She led the group in a community trash clean up. As She shared, cleaning up our environment is an act of selflessness that can stimulate our brain. We can experience instant gratification as we see change in our environment. We can experience a rush of happy hormones when we see our actions bring more beauty to the outdoors. Once the trash was properly disposed of, the group prepared for a lakeside sound bath and breath work meditation. The participants lay comfortably under blankets as E gave guidance on different breath techniques. Each sound bowl had a unique vibration that was awakened with her bowl mallet. The day with E reminded the group to pause, breathe, and be present.



The third day was a short day, but with another exciting activity. The participants met at the base of Mammoth Mountain and were fitted with gear to tackle the dirt trails. They shared that they had never been mountain biking before, and they were ready to embark on another new experience. With a guide, the participants were able to learn the basics, and then they were off jumping on a lift. They got an adrenaline rush as they took off from the top of the mountain back down the main lodge. What an experience! After mountain biking, the group had a fantastic lunch prepared by local Michell M. The group hugged, said their goodbyes, and prepared their luggage to return home. As one of the participants shared, the `24 Fall Program provided a rejuvenating experience that will help them as they navigate life’s journey.


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JOURNAL

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