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

Takeaways

• INDY Foundation was created from loss, love, and the belief that no one should fight cancer alone.
• The Bowties and Arrows Gala is about more than fundraising — it’s about honoring cancer warriors and raising people up.
• Renewal, healing, and hope happen through community, compassion, and showing up for others.

In Part 1 of this three-part mini series, Kayla Keenan shares the heart behind INDY Foundation’s Bowties and Arrows Gala and why gathering matters so much in the cancer journey. Framed around the theme of spring renewal, this episode reflects on the foundation’s mission to ensure no one fights cancer alone. Kayla highlights the power of community, the importance of honoring cancer warriors, and the deeper meaning behind an event that brings together remembrance, celebration, vulnerability, and strength.

Key Topics Covered:

• The meaning of renewal in a season of hardship and hope
• The origin and mission of INDY Foundation
• Why Bowties and Arrows is more than a fundraiser
• Honoring cancer warriors with dignity, confidence, and compassion
• The role of community in healing and support
• An invitation to attend the gala and continue the mini series

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

• Babes, Wine & Galentines is a women-focused fundraiser built on real connection, empowerment, and community support for cancer warriors.
• INDY Foundation (“I’m Not Done Yet”) provides direct financial support to local warriors, helping with real-life needs like gas to treatment, bills, and breathing room.
• The most powerful moments often happen behind the scenes: warriors bonding, holding hands, and feeling seen — sometimes for the first time in a long time.

In this replay of Leveling Up With Lindsay, Courtney Studenski (Executive Director of INDY Foundation) shares how her family’s cancer journey led her into nonprofit leadership — and what it truly takes to run an organization rooted in both dignity and hope. The conversation dives into the heart behind INDY’s Babes, Wine & Galentines event: how warriors are selected, what the night means for those honored, and why community support can be life-changing long after the event ends.

Key Topics Covered:

• Courtney’s personal connection to INDY Foundation and her husband’s Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis
• What INDY stands for: “I’m Not Done Yet”
• Why Babes, Wine & Galentines is different from a typical fundraiser
• Warrior nominations, styling, hair/makeup, and the emotional “behind the curtain” moments
• Volunteer committees and how people can help without feeling overwhelmed
• Where fundraising dollars actually go (gas to appointments, bills, basic needs)
• 2024 event impact: nearly $34,000 raised and the ripple effect it creates

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

• Community leadership means showing up—even when it’s outside your comfort zone.
• Men of INDY turns a fun runway moment into real dollars for cancer warrior support.
• Hearing warriors’ stories can shift your perspective and deepen your purpose.
• Babes, Wine & Galantines creates both an unforgettable night out and direct impact for families.
• One community event can raise significant funds and widen awareness for local cancer support.

Courtney Studenski recaps INDY Foundation’s Babes, Wine & Galantines celebration with special guest Brandon Silgjord, Chief of Police for the City of Sartell. Brandon shares what it was like to participate in Men of INDY, why meeting the warriors changed him, and how stepping beyond “image” or “ego” can unlock real impact. Together, they reflect on the powerful emotional moments of the night, the community-wide effort behind the event, and the tangible support raised for Minnesota cancer warriors and their families.

Key Topics Covered:

• Babes, Wine & Galantines event recap and mission impact
• Men of INDY runway fundraiser: stepping up, having fun, raising money
• Community leadership and why “showing up” matters
• The emotional power of warrior stories and meeting families
• Balancing professionalism with authentic community engagement
• Event results and how donations directly support cancer warriors
• How to get involved with INDY Foundation as a leader, sponsor, or volunteer

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

• 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