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.