By Ashley Ryan
Finn (left) and James Benson wear their Team MBCC race shirts.
Cape Codders James and Finn Benson, despite being just 13 and 10 years old, respectively, are already seasoned fundraisers for a mission close to their hearts. When their mom, Lindsay, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in April 2022—when the boys were just 9 and 6 years old—just 16 weeks into training for her fourth Boston Marathon, the family’s world shifted. Twelve days later, and less than 48 hours after crossing the finish line on Boylston Street, Lindsay underwent a bilateral mastectomy at Cape Cod Hospital. She is now cancer-free and running again, but the experience left a lasting impression on her two sons.
“It was really hard,” the boys recalled. “Mom is usually the one running around organizing everything. Seeing her need help just to stand or tie her shoes was really hard.”
That memory continues to drive the brothers’ commitment to breast cancer prevention.
On August 17, James will run his fourth ASICS Falmouth Road Race on behalf of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC)—and this year Finn will join him on the course for the very first time. Together they will run not only in honor of their mother, but in the hope of helping prevent other families from experiencing what theirs did.
James has already proven himself to be a powerful advocate for the cause. In his first year running the Falmouth Road Race for Team MBCC, he raised more than $4,000 to support breast cancer prevention efforts.
“Running the Falmouth Road Race was a thrilling experience,” James said. “The sound of the crowd cheering mixed in with the hope of finishing helped me keep going even through anything that was challenging me. I raised a lot of money in honor of my mom who beat breast cancer, and it felt great that the community supported me like that.”
Finn Benson proudly displays his homemade friendship bracelets, which he’s selling to raise funds MBCC.
MBCC Executive Director Cheryl Osimo has been impressed by James and Finn’s dedication to the cause.
“James and Finn Benson show not only extraordinary love and dedication to their mother, but also leadership and compassion beyond their years,” Osimo said. “Their commitment to prevention is contagious, and we hope people from all over will stand behind them as they work toward a healthier future for us all.”
This year, younger brother Finn is bringing his own energy and creativity to the cause. In the lead-up to the race, Finn began hand-making colorful friendship bracelets to boost his fundraising. The Benson Brothers sold them at the family’s annual Fourth of July lemonade stand, which doubled as a “pop-up” fundraiser for MBCC.
The result was a fantastic day filled with meaningful conversations, community support and $440 raised in just one afternoon. That day also marked a major milestone: since 2022, the Benson brothers have raised more than $10,000 in support of MBCC’s mission.
“It was such a great day,” Lindsay Benson said. “Finn even connected with a soon-to-be-retired nurse who has a significant family history of breast cancer. She ended up commissioning him to make 25 bracelets for her co-workers as farewell gifts, with all proceeds going to MBCC.”
“James and Finn’s entrepreneurial spirit is matched only by their heart,” Osimo said. “Their showing other kids that they can take action, no matter their age. I am honored they are working with us towards making the world a better place for our children, grandchildren and future generations.”
James and Finn’s efforts will help support and expand MBCC’s key educational programs, including Let’s Talk Prevention: Reducing Toxic Exposures, the MBCC Webinar Series; and the newly expanded student environmental health initiative, Let’s Talk Prevention: Actions You Can Take. These programs are central to MBCC’s mission to prevent the environmental causes of breast cancer through education, research, advocacy and changes to public policy.
James Benson runs in support of breast cancer prevention.
This year marks the 53rd running of the iconic ASICS Falmouth Road Race, and MBCC’s 11th year participating.
“Falmouth’s Road Race lets runners be independent and fundraise on our behalf,” said Jared Woods, MBCC’s communications and outreach director, “which is nice for our organization because it helps get our word out there.”
Woods is hopeful for the event and the message it delivers.
“I hope people have a greater interest in public health, to know that MBCC is working in advocacy for public health, and we’re committed to protecting public health,” Woods said. “We will continue fighting for a safer and healthier future.”
Osimo is grateful to the Falmouth Road Race team for their work in making this event happen year after year.
“The Falmouth Road Race team, the people who put this event together, all of their efforts, they have hearts of gold,” Osimo said.
While the 2025 Team MBCC roster is full with 19 runners, there’s still an important way to support their mission: fundraising. Every dollar raised helps bring MBCC’s prevention programs to more families and schools across Massachusetts and beyond. MBCC’s goal this year is to raise $25,000.
“At a time when nonprofits must do more with less, James and Finn show the power of community,” Woods said. “Fundraising is hope in action, and we’re deeply grateful to all who help move our mission forward toward a future where prevention is possible.”
To support James and Finn in their fundraising efforts for Team MBCC, visit their official page:
https://raceroster.com/events/2025/99641/the-2025-asics-falmouth-road-race/pledge/participant/35302504