In this deeply heartfelt episode of INDY Foundation: Connecting Through Cancer, host Kayla Keenan explores what it truly means to surrender during a cancer journey.

Drawing from her personal experience as a caregiver to her fiancé Kyle, who battled stage four colon cancer, Kayla shares the emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges that come with letting go of what we cannot control—money, image, control itself, timelines, and even the illusion of safety.

Topics covered in this episode:

• The emotional toll of losing control after a cancer diagnosis
• How community and employer support helped ease financial stress
• The struggle of maintaining identity and image during illness
• Processing uncertainty around treatment outcomes and timelines
• Journal prompts to help you surrender expectations and find peace
• A vulnerable look into caregiving, grief, and post-diagnosis life

Whether you’re a cancer warrior, caregiver, or someone facing life’s unexpected turns, this episode will help you reflect, breathe deeper, and maybe—just maybe—let go.

Journal Prompts from the Episode:

1. What are you gripping tightly right now—control, money, image, or expectations?
2. What would happen if you loosened your grip by just 1%?
3. What’s something you’re trying to force that just isn’t working?
4. I’m afraid to surrender because...
5. But I know that if I released it, I would gain...

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.org

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMN

Instagram - 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

The episode addresses the personal struggles that can often overshadow the joy of holidays, particularly for those affected by crises like illness or loss. The speaker introduces a new series reflecting on life's challenging chapters and how such hardships shape and prepare an individual for what comes next. Sharing a deeply personal story about her husband's diagnosis and passing, she discusses the emotional journey and coping mechanisms, emphasizing that crises are opportunities for growth. The episode concludes with journal prompts designed to help listeners process their experiences and emotions.

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Personal Crisis

00:39 The Hardest Chapters: Personal Reflections

01:22 Life-Changing Moments: Kyle's Diagnosis

03:11 Finding Meaning in Crisis

04:10 Journal Prompts for Healing

05:45 Conclusion: Preparing for the Future

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.org

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMN

Instagram - 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 Thanksgiving-themed episode of the INDY Foundation: Connecting Through Cancer Podcast, we reflect on gratitude, connection, and the strength of families facing cancer. The episode highlights the story of a young family from Central Minnesota navigating the challenges of stage three breast cancer, emphasizing the vital support provided by the Indie Foundation. Through emotional narratives and heartfelt messages, the podcast underscores the importance of community, donor contributions, and volunteer efforts, showcasing how these elements bring hope, relief, and moments of joy to families during difficult times.

00:00 Welcome to the INDY Foundation Podcast

00:28 The Struggles of Families Facing Cancer

00:51 A Story of Hope: Central Minnesota Family

02:04 INDY Warrior Check Presentation

03:19 The Impact of Community Support

03:56 Gratitude for Indie Warriors and Supporters

05:35 A Call to Action: Supporting Indie Warrior Families

06:10 Closing Remarks: Thank You and Happy Thanksgiving

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.org

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMN

Instagram - 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 episode of the INDY Foundation Podcast, we delve into the profound impact of loss on our lives. The host reflects on their personal experience of becoming a widow and how loss reshapes our perception of life, highlighting the significance of small moments, the fragility of time, and the importance of being present. The episode offers a compassionate message to those who have experienced loss, encouraging them to honor their grief and the new perspectives it brings, while acknowledging the growth, strength, and clarity that emerge from such life-altering experiences.

00:00 Introduction to the INDY Foundation Podcast

00:08 The Profound Impact of Loss

01:24 Personal Reflections on Grief

03:09 Cherishing Memories Through Photos and Videos

04:08 Lessons Learned from Loss

05:35 Embracing Change and Finding Meaning

06:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.org

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMN

Instagram - 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 conversation, the Kayla and Mitch Keenan discuss the complexities of navigating life after the loss of a loved one, the challenges of building a new relationship, and the importance of open communication. They share personal stories about grief, guilt, and the support of family and community, as well as the impact of the INDY Foundation. The discussion emphasizes the lessons learned from grief and offers advice for those in similar situations, highlighting the importance of embracing life and love despite past losses.

Takeaways

• Life goes on after loss, and it's important to move forward.
• Open communication is key in relationships, especially after loss.
• Grief can bring feelings of guilt, but it's a natural part of healing.
• Building a new relationship requires understanding and patience.
• Community support can ease the transition into a new life.
• It's okay to feel complicated emotions when moving on.
• Sharing stories about lost loved ones can help in the healing process.
• Embrace new experiences and relationships without fear.
• Life is unpredictable; make the most of every moment.
• Love can exist for more than one person in your life.

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.org

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMN

Instagram - 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

This episode of Connecting Through Cancer Podcasts, brought to you by the INDY Foundation, highlights the importance of November as a month of giving. The foundation emphasizes the power of generosity and gratitude in supporting cancer warriors and their families. Listeners are encouraged to give in various ways, such as donating, sharing the mission, and volunteering. The episode also introduces the INDY Giving Tree initiative in partnership with White Peonyi Boutique, aimed at fulfilling Christmas wishes for those battling cancer. The foundation's overarching message is that every act of kindness has a significant impact, transforming communities by showing that no warrior fights alone.

00:00 Introduction to Connecting Through Cancer

00:25 The Spirit of November: Giving and Gratitude

01:28 Supporting Cancer Warriors: How Your Donations Help

02:15 The Magic of Giving: Transforming Lives

02:37 Get Involved: Ways to Support Indie Foundation

03:31 The iNDY Giving Tree: Spreading Holiday Cheer

05:44 Conclusion: A Month of Meaning

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.org

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMN

Instagram - 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 special Pink-tober episode, the focus is on breast cancer awareness and the unique approach of the INDY Foundation. The statistics reveal the widespread impact of breast cancer, but the INDY Foundation emphasizes the importance of community connection and action. Highlighting local initiatives, the episode details events like the Think Pink for Indie, where the community gathers to support cancer warriors and provides financial aid. The episode also shares touching personal stories, such as Corey’s journey, showcasing the profound effect of community support. The INDY Foundation's mission is to transform awareness into tangible support, stressing that while pink is a symbol, connection is the true currency for making a meaningful impact.

00:00 Introduction to Pink-tober

00:26 Breast Cancer Statistics

01:30 INDY's Unique Approach

02:23 Community Support and Events

04:11 Corey's Story

07:41 The Impact of Connection

09:28 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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.org

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMN

Instagram - 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 special replay episode, we’re revisiting an important and heartfelt conversation that originally aired on Leveling Up with Lindsay. Lindsay sits down with Kayla Keenan, the founder of the INDY Foundation, to share a story that continues to inspire and uplift the INDY community today.

Kayla opens up about her journey after losing her husband, Kyle, to stage four colon cancer—and how that tragedy led to the creation of the INDY Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting cancer warriors and their families throughout Minnesota. She discusses the power of finding purpose in pain, the role of community in healing, and the impact INDY has made by offering both emotional and financial support.

Throughout the conversation, Lindsay and Kayla explore themes of resilience, faith, and connection. They remind listeners that even in the face of heartbreak, it’s possible to create something beautiful that helps others. This replay serves as a timeless reminder that when you follow your heart and align with your purpose, you can spark change that ripples far beyond yourself.

Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Background 01:20 – Kayla’s Journey and the Birth of INDY Foundation 04:06 – INDY’s Impact and Growth 05:43 – Personal Stories and Meaningful Connections 06:54 – Planning Events and Collaborations 15:29 – Leadership, Legacy, and Giving Back 20:00 – Creativity and Voice Messages 20:46 – The Role of Journaling in Healing 22:07 – Finding Like-Minded Friends 24:31 – The Power of Connection 29:41 – Living with Purpose and Resilience 34:21 – Cherishing the Little Moments 37:18 – Final Reflections and Inspiration

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.org

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ImNotDoneYetMN

Instagram - 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