In this episode of the INDY Foundation Connecting Through Cancer podcast, host Kayla Keenan speaks with Melissa Blake, a dedicated healthcare professional with extensive experience in hospice and oncology care. Melissa shares her personal journey, the emotional challenges of working with cancer patients, and the profound connections formed during these experiences. The conversation delves into the importance of communication in healthcare, the impact of COVID-19 on patient care, and the journey of love and loss as both women navigate their lives after the passing of their spouses. The episode emphasizes the strength found in community support and the lessons learned through grief and healing.

Takeaways

• The importance of emotional support in cancer care.
• Communication is essential for healthcare professionals.
• Caregivers also need support during the cancer journey.
• Finding purpose in helping others through difficult times.
• The impact of COVID-19 on patient experiences.
• Love and loss can lead to new beginnings.
• Grief is a personal journey that varies for everyone.
• Creating memories is vital after loss.
• It's okay to feel joy and sadness simultaneously.
• Community support plays a crucial role in healing.

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 Connecting Through Cancer podcast, host Kayla Keenan discusses practical ways to support individuals battling cancer. She emphasizes the importance of emotional support, educating oneself about the diagnosis, helping with practical tasks, respecting privacy, and encouraging second opinions. The conversation aims to empower listeners to be effective supporters for cancer warriors, highlighting that cancer is both a physical and emotional battle that requires a community of support.

Takeaways

• Listening and offering emotional support is crucial.
• Educating yourself about the diagnosis can help.
• Practical help like grocery shopping is valuable.
• Respecting privacy is important during their journey.
• Encouraging a second opinion can lead to better outcomes.
• Cancer is a physical and emotional battle.
• Support can come in many forms, big or small.
• Communication is key in supporting cancer warriors.
• Being there for someone can make a significant difference.
• A community of support is essential for cancer warriors.

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, host Kayla Keenan speaks with Renee Rudolph about her daughter Rya's journey through cancer. They discuss the emotional and logistical challenges faced by families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, the importance of community support, and the coping strategies that helped them navigate this difficult time. Renee shares insights on how children perceive cancer, the resources available for families, and offers advice for parents in similar situations. The conversation emphasizes the strength found in community and the importance of connection during challenging times.

Rya's Little Warrior Story: https://indy-foundation.org/2022-little-warrior-rya-rudolph/

Takeaways

• Indy Foundation supports cancer warriors through financial and community resources.
• Renee's daughter, Rya, was diagnosed with T-cell ALL at a young age.
• The initial reaction to a cancer diagnosis is often disbelief and shock.
• Community support is crucial for families dealing with cancer.
• Coping strategies include spending time with family and maintaining faith.
• Children can struggle with feelings of isolation during treatment.
• Education about cancer can help peers understand and support affected children.
• There are many organizations that provide assistance to families in need.
• Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can provide relief.
• Asking for help is important, and people genuinely want to assist.

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, host Kayla Keenan interviews Alyssa Johannes, the mother of a cancer warrior named Lillian. They discuss Lillian's cancer journey, including her initial diagnosis of B cell, ALL, her relapse in her central nervous system, and her participation in an experimental treatment called CAR-T. Alyssa shares the challenges and support systems they encountered throughout Lillian's treatment, as well as the emotional impact it had on their family. They also discuss how they talked to Lillian about her illness and treatment, and the perspective shift they experienced as a result of their cancer journey.

Takeaways

• Cancer journeys can be unpredictable, with unexpected twists and turns.
• Support systems, including family and friends, play a crucial role in helping families navigate the challenges of cancer.
• Being honest and open with children about their illness and treatment can help them understand and cope with the situation.
• Cancer can change one's perspective on life, leading to a greater appreciation for the little things and a constant state of vigilance.
• Asking for help and accepting support is important for parents facing a similar situation.

Watch Lillian's Little INDY Warrior video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0AgDAQLjDE

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, host Kayla Keenan interviews Alyssa Johannes and Renee Rudolph, two mothers whose daughters battled cancer. They discuss how they met and the support they provided each other throughout their journeys. Alyssa and Renee also talk about the Rockin' Warriors, a fundraiser they started to benefit the Indy Foundation and other organizations that helped them. They share the importance of small gestures of support and the impact they can have on parents going through the challenges of childhood cancer.

Takeaways

• Support from other parents who have gone through similar experiences can be invaluable during the cancer journey.
• Small gestures of support, such as sending a text message or providing a meal, can make a big difference for parents.
• Starting a fundraiser or nonprofit organization is not necessary to make a positive impact; even small actions can help support families dealing with childhood cancer.
• Connecting with other families and organizations can provide a sense of community and support during difficult times.

Follow Rockin' Warriors on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083708425352

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

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

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

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