Takeaways

• Birthdays are a celebration of existence—and a reminder that continuing is worth honoring.
• Use your birthday as a “pause button” to reflect on what you survived, learned, and want next.
• Turn celebration into purpose by choosing one act of giving that lifts someone else up.

In this short, heartfelt episode of INDY Foundation: Connecting Through Cancer, host Kayla Keenan reframes birthdays as something deeper than traditions and social posts. A birthday can be proof of survival—an annual checkpoint to reflect, reset, and honor the fact that you’re still here. Kayla also connects birthdays to purpose, challenging listeners to celebrate fully while choosing one meaningful act of service, encouragement, or giving that creates hope for someone else.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why birthdays matter beyond cake, candles, and attention
• Birthdays as proof of survival and a celebration of “continuing”
• Using birthdays as a moment of reflection and life reset
• Celebration as gratitude (not selfishness)
• Turning birthdays into purpose: giving, serving, and lifting others
• The “birthday challenge”: celebrate fully + choose one act of impact

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

Takeaways

• Galentine’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 cancer
• A volunteer’s “why” and how giving back can also refill your own cup
• Behind-the-scenes planning: detail, teamwork, and volunteer coordination
• Warrior experience: confidence, family moments, and meaningful connection
• Tribute to Nikki Langer and the power of community through grief
• Men of INDY and the event’s fundraising impact for Minnesota cancer warriors
• How 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.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

Takeaways

• Confidence after cancer is a daily practice, not a destination
• Choosing yourself is essential for healing and survival
• Old habits returning doesn’t mean failure — awareness creates growth

In this episode, Kayla Keenan explores what confidence really looks like after cancer and trauma. Rather than being fearless, confidence is about self-trust, awareness, and choosing yourself again and again. Listeners are reminded that healing isn’t linear and that they are not broken — they are becoming.

Key Topics Covered:

• Redefining confidence after cancer
• Choosing yourself after trauma
• Healing, identity, and self-trust
• Boundaries, rest, and emotional awareness
• Coming home to yourself after survivorship

Whether 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.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 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 transformation
• Why confidence is often born from loss, not success
• Letting go of perfection, people-pleasing, and the need for approval
• The importance of protecting your peace and reclaiming your identity
• Real stories of cancer warriors who rediscovered themselves post-diagnosis

Whether 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.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 episode of Connecting Through Cancer, host Kayla Keenan shares the powerful mission and inspiration behind INDY Foundation’s signature Valentine’s event: Babes, Wine & Galentines.

This annual celebration, now in its fourth year, is dedicated to honoring Minnesota’s cancer warriors—women who are navigating or have survived cancer. More than just a fun night out, this event is a moving blend of community, compassion, confidence, and connection.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The story behind the Babes, Wine & Galentines event and why it matters
• How local businesses like White Peony Boutique are helping warriors reclaim their confidence
• The emotional impact of the makeover experience on women battling cancer
• A behind-the-scenes look at the transformations, tears, and triumphs
• How community support, sponsorships, and volunteers make this night possible
• Ways you can get involved, attend, or support this cause

Whether you're a supporter of cancer nonprofits, a lover of Galentine’s events, or someone who believes in the power of women supporting women, this episode will inspire you to lead with love and take action.

Event Info: Babes, Wine & Galentines 2026

Thursday, February 12 | Park Event Center, Waite Park, MN

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 times
• Why your identity can and should evolve after trauma
• The importance of setting boundaries to protect your energy and well-being
• How practicing gratitude grounds you when life feels unsteady
• The transformative power of compassion and empathy for yourself and others
• How purpose can emerge from pain—and lead to profound impact

Kayla 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.

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