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

The video reflects on Kyle's impactful life, emphasizing his legacy of kindness and leadership. It shares an essay written by Grayson, the son of Kyle's friend and coworker, highlighting Kyle's influence on him. The essay recounts Kyle's welcoming nature, mentorship, and the life-altering advice he provided. Even during his illness, Kyle's mental strength and kindness remained strong, teaching Grayson invaluable lessons about the true meaning of strength and making a lasting impact on his life.

00:00 A Birthday to Remember

00:21 Kyle's Legacy Lives On

00:32 Grayson's Essay on Kyle

01:36 Memories of Kyle

02:34 Life Lessons from Kyle

02:55 Kyle's Battle and Strength

03:36 The True Measure of Strength

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 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