Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In the United States alone, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. For many moms, early warning signs can be easy to miss or dismiss. This is especially true in the haze of postpartum recovery or the daily demands of caring for a family. That’s why awareness and education are so critical—and why conversations like this one matter.
In a recent Ski Moms Podcast episode, professional snowboarder Kimmy Fasani shares her deeply personal journey. She talks about breast cancer, motherhood, and identity. Diagnosed at age 37 while raising two young boys, Kimmy opens up about the warning signs she overlooked. She emphasizes the urgency of being proactive about your health. “I had had a lump in my breast for months,” she says. “I should have been so much more proactive with that warning sign.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that early detection saves lives. Kimmy emphasizes the importance of self-exams and listening to your body. Also, she highlights surrounding yourself with people who will advocate for your well-being—especially when you’re used to putting others first.
But her journey isn’t defined by illness. Kimmy’s life on and off the mountain is a testament to resilience, passion, and purpose. She began skiing at age two in Truckee, California, later becoming a professional snowboarder in Mammoth Lakes. After years of pushing her body as an elite athlete, motherhood introduced a different kind of transformation.
“Becoming a parent or a parent figure is a dynamic shift in anybody’s life,” she reflects. “There’s so much that we don’t know before we start.” The podcast touches on the emotional and physical toll of early motherhood. It also discusses the pressure many working moms carry and the need for patience and grace in each fleeting stage.
Kimmy also talks about her documentary, Butterfly in a Blizzard, which captures eight years of her life. It includes pregnancy, grief, diagnosis, and recovery. It’s a raw and real look at how life’s most difficult moments can also bring clarity and connection. She and her husband, pro skier Chris Benchetler, founded the Benchetler Fasani Foundation. Their foundation helps families heal through outdoor experiences. This is another testament to their belief in the power of nature and community.
“I didn’t have to reach so far to find my happiness,” she says. “It was really always right in front of me.”
Whether you’re navigating a health scare, a parenting challenge, or simply trying to find balance in the chaos, Kimmy’s story is one of perseverance—and a powerful call to listen to yourself and lead with love.
Watch the Documentary: Butterfly in a Blizzard on Amazon Prime
Follow Kimmy: @kimmyfasani on Instagram
Explore: Benchetler Fasani Foundation
Take Action: Prioritize Your Health and Support Other Women
Kimmy’s story is a powerful reminder that early detection can save lives—but it starts with you. Take a moment today to do a self breast exam, schedule your annual mammogram, or check in with the women in your life. These small acts of care can make a lasting difference.
Here are a few resources to help:
- Breast Self-Exam Guide
National Breast Cancer Foundation – How to Do a Self-Exam - Find a Mammogram Provider
CDC’s Mammogram Finder - Support and Community
Living Beyond Breast Cancer – Support, education, and connection for those impacted by breast cancer.
Let’s continue to lift each other up, share our stories, and remind one another: your health matters. You are not alone.
The post Riding Through Life’s Storms: Kimmy Fasani on Motherhood, Resilience, and Breast Cancer Awareness appeared first on Mom Trends.
