Today, HOLR is chatting with women’s snowboarding pioneer, Kimmy Fasani, about her experience with breast cancer.

Kimmy Fasani has been a pioneer in women’s snowboarding since she became the first woman snowboarder to land a double backflip in the park and the powder in 2011. That year, she signed with Burton to become the face of the snowboard powerhouse’s AK line.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so Kimmy is sitting down with HOLR to discuss her story about being diagnosed with stage 3 Inflammatory Breast Cancer. She hopes that by sharing her story others will be reminded to check themselves.

Talk to us about your experience with breast cancer.

In November of 2021, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Inflammatory Breast Cancer. I started Chemotherapy within 3 weeks of my diagnosis. I underwent 6 rounds of Chemo, a double mastectomy surgery, and 30 rounds of radiation. Thankfully, I had a complete pathological response to my treatment.

You’ve been battling stage 3 breast cancer since your diagnosis last November. How do you hope sharing your story helps build awareness for breast cancer?

I hope that by sharing my story I can help others become aware of the importance of self-checks. Knowing how our bodies feel when we are healthy, will give us all a better baseline for when things potentially change.

As a pioneer for women’s snowboarding and one of Burton’s athletes, how have you become a powerful voice for female athletes in regard to your perseverance?

I believe each one of us has a unique perspective and by using my voice to speak up about important topics, like equality, motherhood, and now breast cancer, I’m hoping that others can see there’s a ripple effect of change. If I can help the next generation by breaking down some of the stigmas, hopefully, they will see the power of their voice and will also promote a healthier sport for the following generation.

Your story is so inspiring. Can you tell us more about your family trip to Baldface, BC, which was an important chapter in your journey?

Mountains have been such an important outlet in my life. I feel happier and more at peace when I spend time in Nature. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt stripped of so many things that made me feel wholesome and connected. My husband could see I needed to be back in nature. He organized a surprise trip, in collaboration with Donna Carpenter (owner of Burton) and Jeff Penserio (owner of Baldface Lodge), and as I left my last treatment Donna intercepted me and my family and brought us all to British Columbia. Being reunited with the Burton team and with a few days of epic powder boarding at Baldface was just what I needed to feel rejuvenated. This experience in nature really helped Chris and I understand why starting our new foundation- The Benchetler Fasani Foundation (bf-foundation.org) will be so impactful for helping others who have been through hardship or loss become reconnected to the healing properties of nature.

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming up, how are you looking to spread awareness about the importance of self-checking?

I hope by sharing my story- others will be reminded to check themselves and seek medical help if something in their body doesn’t feel right. Being aware of our bodies and early detection saves lives. If people need more information please have them visit B4BC.org a great educational resource for learning how to check ourselves.

Published by HOLR Magazine.