Episode Summary:

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, host Kayla Keenan shares the story of losing her spouse to cancer and how that life-altering experience became the foundation for something bigger. Through raw reflection and deep insight, Kayla explores how grief became a catalyst for the creation of the INDY Foundation — a nonprofit supporting families affected by cancer.

Listeners will hear how she reframed her suffering as sacred preparation for purpose, and why she believes challenges are not punishments but powerful opportunities to grow. She offers journal prompts designed to help you explore your own journey and uncover what your current challenge might be preparing you for.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing adversity, searching for meaning, or learning to lead with heart after loss.

Topics Covered:

• Kayla’s personal journey through cancer grief
• The founding and mission of the INDY Foundation
• Why challenges are often sacred preparation
• Journal prompts for reflection and healing
• Finding purpose through pain and community

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Series Overview

01:03 Personal Reflections on Loss and Growth

02:51 The Impact of Cancer and Community Support

06:54 Reframing Challenges and Finding Purpose

08:09 Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection

09:36 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

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 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 Greetings

00:42 Recap of Previous Episodes

02:18 The Importance of Not Reacting

03:07 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons

07:14 Choosing Peace Over Urgency

08:56 Final Thoughts and Journal Prompts

11:19 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

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 year-end episode of INDY Foundation Connecting Through Cancer, host Kayla Keenan takes a heartfelt look back at the most powerful moments of 2025. Through emotional reflections and unforgettable stories, we revisit the central theme that has guided us all year: the irreplaceable value of human connection during a cancer journey.

From the physical toll of treatment to the emotional weight of a diagnosis, this episode highlights the strength found in relationships—with family, friends, and even strangers. You’ll hear how love and community carried individuals through their darkest days, including a moving tribute to a young widow and her late husband, Kyle.

We also share behind-the-scenes insights into the INDY Foundation’s mission and the personal journey that inspired it. Kayla reflects on the power of nonprofit support, community-driven care, and what it truly means to show up for one another.

Whether you’ve been with us all year or are just joining the conversation, this episode is a powerful reminder that no one should walk through cancer alone.

Tune in and celebrate the moments that moved us, the people who inspired us, and the connections that carried us forward.

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