INDY Foundation: Connecting through Cancer

TakeawaysKayla opens up about the flood of emotions she experienced at her daughter's kindergarten graduation, connecting the bittersweet passage of time to the deeper reality of how finite our seasons with loved ones really are.The Borrowed Years Rule reframes the "I'll do it later" mindset — a concept Kayla applies with hard-won perspective after becoming a widow at 28.Kayla shares how spontaneity, from a last-minute Europe trip after losing her husband to impromptu weeknight pool runs with her kids, has become her answer to living a life with fewer regrets.In this solo episode of Connecting Through Cancer, Kayla Keenan reflects on the cascade of emotions that followed her daughter's kindergarten graduation. What started as a celebration quickly surfaced something deeper: the awareness that we only get 18 summers with our kids, and one of them was already behind her. Kayla shares how that moment opened the door to a broader conversation about time, loss, and what it actually means to be present.Kayla introduces the Borrowed Years Rule, a concept she discovered on Instagram that puts words to something she already knew from experience. The idea is simple but sobering: every time we say "I'll travel when I retire" or "I'll do that when the kids are older," we are borrowing time from a future that isn't guaranteed. For Kayla, who lost her husband Kyle to cancer after a four-year battle and became a widow at 28, this is not a theory. It is something she lived. She shares the story of planning a spontaneous 10-day Europe trip within a month of Kyle's passing — a decision she calls one of the most important she ever made.The episode closes with Kayla connecting these ideas back to everyday life: summer bucket lists, putting the tablets away, texting a friend even when schedules are impossible to align, and making Monday night pool trips happen just because the sun is out. The message is not that you need to travel the world. It is that now is the only time you have.INDY is short for "I'm Not Done Yet," a phrase often said by the late Kyle Strand during his courageous battle with colon cancer. Kyle's four-year journey was both extremely challenging and profoundly beautiful. Though he lost his battle in July 2017, his legacy lives on through his two dying wishes: to establish the INDY Foundation and to inspire others to live every day to its fullest. In August 2017, the INDY Foundation was born, continuing Kyle's mission to support and uplift cancer warriors everywhere. Find more information here: www.indy-foundation.orgFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMNInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/indyfoundation/Join our INDY Tribe - Inner Circle FB Group. A group for those affected by cancer.https://www.facebook.com/groups/202854020588761

TakeawaysCommunity leadership means showing up—even when it’s outside your comfort zone.Men of INDY turns a fun runway moment into real dollars for cancer warrior support.Hearing warriors’ stories can shift your perspective and deepen your purpose.Babes, Wine & Galantines creates both an unforgettable night out and direct impact for families.One community event can raise significant funds and widen awareness for local cancer support.Courtney Studenski recaps INDY Foundation’s Babes, Wine & Galantines celebration with special guest Brandon Silgjord, Chief of Police for the City of Sartell. Brandon shares what it was like to participate in Men of INDY, why meeting the warriors changed him, and how stepping beyond “image” or “ego” can unlock real impact. Together, they reflect on the powerful emotional moments of the night, the community-wide effort behind the event, and the tangible support raised for Minnesota cancer warriors and their families.Key Topics Covered:Babes, Wine & Galantines event recap and mission impactMen of INDY runway fundraiser: stepping up, having fun, raising moneyCommunity leadership and why “showing up” mattersThe emotional power of warrior stories and meeting familiesBalancing professionalism with authentic community engagementEvent results and how donations directly support cancer warriorsHow to get involved with INDY Foundation as a leader, sponsor, or volunteerINDY is short for "I'm Not Done Yet," a phrase often said by the late Kyle Strand during his courageous battle with colon cancer. Kyle's four-year journey was both extremely challenging and profoundly beautiful. Though he lost his battle in July 2017, his legacy lives on through his two dying wishes: to establish the INDY Foundation and to inspire others to live every day to its fullest. In August 2017, the INDY Foundation was born, continuing Kyle's mission to support and uplift cancer warriors everywhere. Find more information here: www.indy-foundation.orgFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMNInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/indyfoundation/Join our INDY Tribe - Inner Circle FB Group. A group for those affected by cancer.https://www.facebook.com/groups/202854020588761

TakeawaysGalentine’s is designed to celebrate cancer warriors with confidence, community, and intentional support.Volunteers make the mission possible—from the smallest details to the biggest moments on stage.The INDY Impact is rooted in connection: reminding families facing cancer that they are not alone.Courtney Studenski, Executive Director of the INDY Foundation, sits down with her cousin Alyssa for a Galentine’s recap from a volunteer’s perspective. They share what goes into planning and executing INDY’s signature girls’ night celebrating women battling cancer—plus the behind-the-scenes work that creates unforgettable moments for warriors and their families. The conversation highlights the power of community, the emotion of honoring a warrior who passed away, and the fun fundraising tradition of the Men of INDY. Alyssa also shares why she volunteers and encourages anyone considering it to jump in—there’s a place for every schedule and skill set.Key Topics Covered:Galentine’s event mission: celebrating women (young and adult) battling cancerA volunteer’s “why” and how giving back can also refill your own cupBehind-the-scenes planning: detail, teamwork, and volunteer coordinationWarrior experience: confidence, family moments, and meaningful connectionTribute to Nikki Langer and the power of community through griefMen of INDY and the event’s fundraising impact for Minnesota cancer warriorsHow to get involved as an INDY volunteer (weekly, committee, or day-of)INDY is short for "I'm Not Done Yet," a phrase often said by the late Kyle Strand during his courageous battle with colon cancer. Kyle's four-year journey was both extremely challenging and profoundly beautiful. Though he lost his battle in July 2017, his legacy lives on through his two dying wishes: to establish the INDY Foundation and to inspire others to live every day to its fullest. In August 2017, the INDY Foundation was born, continuing Kyle's mission to support and uplift cancer warriors everywhere. Find more information here: www.indy-foundation.orgFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMNInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/indyfoundation/Join our INDY Tribe - Inner Circle FB Group. A group for those affected by cancer.https://www.facebook.com/groups/202854020588761

In this heartfelt episode of INDY Foundation Connecting Through Cancer, host Kayla Keenan kicks off a powerful new mini-series: Coming Home to Yourself. Kayla shares her deeply personal story of becoming a widow in her late 20s and how that season of profound grief unexpectedly became the foundation for quiet, unshakable confidence.This episode dives into:How grief, trauma, and cancer can lead to personal transformationWhy confidence is often born from loss, not successLetting go of perfection, people-pleasing, and the need for approvalThe importance of protecting your peace and reclaiming your identityReal stories of cancer warriors who rediscovered themselves post-diagnosisWhether you're navigating cancer, grief, identity shifts, or simply looking to reconnect with your true self, this episode is for you.INDY is short for "I'm Not Done Yet," a phrase often said by the late Kyle Strand during his courageous battle with colon cancer. Kyle's four-year journey was both extremely challenging and profoundly beautiful. Though he lost his battle in July 2017, his legacy lives on through his two dying wishes: to establish the INDY Foundation and to inspire others to live every day to its fullest. In August 2017, the INDY Foundation was born, continuing Kyle's mission to support and uplift cancer warriors everywhere. Find more information here: www.indy-foundation.orgFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMNInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/indyfoundation/Join our INDY Tribe - Inner Circle FB Group. A group for those affected by cancer.https://www.facebook.com/groups/202854020588761

In this milestone 70th episode, host Kayla Keenan wraps up a powerful six-part series on navigating life through cancer, grief, and transformation. Drawing from her personal experience as a young caregiver and widow, Kayla shares six profound lessons she learned through crisis—insights that reshaped her identity, strengthened her faith, and revealed her purpose.Whether you're currently facing a cancer diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or healing from loss, this episode offers hope, clarity, and real-life tools for emotional resilience and personal growth.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How faith becomes a daily act of surrender and strength during hard timesWhy your identity can and should evolve after traumaThe importance of setting boundaries to protect your energy and well-beingHow practicing gratitude grounds you when life feels unsteadyThe transformative power of compassion and empathy for yourself and othersHow purpose can emerge from pain—and lead to profound impactKayla also reflects on the emotional journey of starting the INDY Foundation and the unexpected healing it brought. If you’ve ever wondered how to find light after loss, this episode is a must-listen.Journal Prompts Shared in the Episode:What signs of progress, no matter how small, have you noticed?What have you learned about resilience, faith, or identity through your season of struggle?What dreams now feel closer than before?Who has supported you—and how can you honor that connection?If today marked a breakthrough, what’s one step forward you could take?Join the INDY Foundation Community:We’re more than a podcast—we’re a movement. Learn how to support cancer warriors, attend our upcoming Bow Ties & Arrows Gala (Feb 12) and Valentine’s Celebration (Mar 28), and stay connected through our website and social platforms.

In this heartfelt New Year's episode, Kayla Keenan reflects on the challenges of returning to routine after the holidays and the importance of finding stillness amidst chaos. She recaps previous podcast episodes on learning from crises and the power of surrender before diving into the current theme of not reacting impulsively. Drawing from personal experiences, including her husband's cancer diagnosis, she illustrates the value of choosing calm over urgency. The episode concludes with thoughtful journal prompts encouraging listeners to explore their reactions and the quest for inner peace.00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings00:42 Recap of Previous Episodes02:18 The Importance of Not Reacting03:07 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons07:14 Choosing Peace Over Urgency08:56 Final Thoughts and Journal Prompts11:19 Conclusion and Upcoming EpisodesINDY is short for "I'm Not Done Yet," a phrase often said by the late Kyle Strand during his courageous battle with colon cancer. Kyle's four-year journey was both extremely challenging and profoundly beautiful. Though he lost his battle in July 2017, his legacy lives on through his two dying wishes: to establish the INDY Foundation and to inspire others to live every day to its fullest. In August 2017, the INDY Foundation was born, continuing Kyle's mission to support and uplift cancer warriors everywhere. Find more information here: www.indy-foundation.orgFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMNInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/indyfoundation/Join our INDY Tribe - Inner Circle FB Group. A group for those affected by cancer.https://www.facebook.com/groups/202854020588761