Takeaways

• INDY Foundation is deeply rooted in connection, community, and compassion.
• Support during cancer includes both emotional care and practical help.
• The Bowties and Arrows Gala reflects the heart of INDY’s mission: no one fights alone.

In this special episode of INDY Foundation Connecting Through Cancer, the team shares short but meaningful audio moments captured at the Bowties and Arrows Gala 2026. Community members, supporters, and founder Kayla Kean reflect on what INDY means to them, with recurring themes of love, connection, and showing up for others during the cancer journey. This episode offers a heartfelt look at how INDY Foundation supports individuals and families through both emotional and financial care, while building a powerful sense of belonging.

Key Topics Covered:

• What INDY Foundation means to its community
• Voices and reflections from the Bowties and Arrows Gala
• The role of connection in cancer support
• Emotional and financial support for families facing cancer
• How community makes the cancer journey feel lighter
• The message that no one fights alone

Takeaways

• The Bowties & Arrows Gala is more than a fundraiser — it is a meaningful way to support cancer warriors through hope, compassion, and community.
• Small acts of service matter, and every volunteer hour or act of generosity can create lasting impact.
• This season of renewal is an opportunity to reflect on how you want to show up, give back, and encourage others.

In part 3 of this INDY Foundation mini series, Kayla Keenan closes out the series with a heartfelt reflection on renewal, purpose, and the impact of supporting cancer warriors. She shares the deeper meaning behind the Bowties & Arrows Gala, INDY Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and reminds listeners that cancer doesn’t wait, healing doesn’t wait, and hope shouldn’t wait either.

This episode explores how generosity is not measured only in large gestures. Whether someone gives 30 minutes, several hours, or simply chooses to be more intentional with their time, every act of kindness can make a difference. Kayla invites listeners to think about how they want to show up in this season — not only for the gala, but in everyday life, in their communities, churches, and relationships.

She also reflects on the value of presence in a distracted world, encouraging people to put the phone away, focus on what matters most, and let their lives become a source of hope for someone else. This episode is a powerful reminder that compassion, encouragement, and community support can truly change lives.

Key Topics Covered:

• The mission and impact behind the Bowties & Arrows Gala
• Supporting Minnesota cancer warriors through community action
• Volunteering and giving back in meaningful ways
• Why time is one of the greatest gifts we can give
• Renewal, purpose, and hope in everyday life
• Choosing kindness, encouragement, and intentional living

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

• The Bowties & Arrows Gala is designed to help cancer warriors feel seen, loved, and supported.
• Small acts of intentional care can create confidence, dignity, and joy during difficult seasons.
• Community support through sponsors, attendees, and volunteers plays a transformational role in the cancer journey.

In part 2 of this mini series, Kayla Keenan shares how INDY Foundation creates meaningful moments for cancer warriors. From outfit try-ons and backstage connection to runway experiences with family and friends, this event goes beyond fundraising to offer hope, confidence, and emotional support. This episode is a reminder that showing up with care can have a lasting impact on someone navigating cancer.

Key Topics Covered:

• The mission and meaning behind the Bowties & Arrows Gala
• How INDY Foundation supports cancer warriors through intentional care
• Why presence and compassion matter during the cancer journey
• The emotional impact of helping warriors feel beautiful, seen, and celebrated
• The role sponsors, attendees, and volunteers play in creating transformational experiences
• A moving story about six-year-old warrior Claire and the joy she brought backstage
• Why doing good starts with simply showing up

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