Programs
Gifting Warriors a Chance to Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate, and Thrive
INDY Foundation is excited to share a partnership with Grand View Lodge (GVL) of Nisswa, MN benefitting Minnesota's cancer warriors. The GVL Thrive program was born from an idea after cancer survivor and Thriver Stephanie Kennelly found healing and comfort in her stay at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN. We are thrilled and honored to be partnering with Grand View Lodge to create a program that will allow cancer warriors and their families to rest, relax, and rejuvenate at the lodge.
An Idea Born from Experience
As told by Stephanie Kennelly, who helped us establish this program.
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37 in November 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was in quarantine for most of my treatment. Fortunately, I found comfort at our family’s rental house in Nisswa, MN. Having time away in nature filled my soul and supported my recovery. I knew that I wanted to make this experience available to others.
In the summer of 2021, I gathered together seven other families with rental houses at the Grand View Lodge property. We partnered with INDY to bring up 8 cancer thrivers and their families. In 2022, we brought up an additional 8 thrivers. In 2023, after successful fundraising, we were able to bring up 16 individuals!
I am very proud of this program and the community of support that continues to make GVL Thrive a success!"
“I’m very proud of this program and the community of support that continues to make GVL Thrive a success!”
– Stephanie
GVL Thrive Details & Fine-Print
Several Grand View Lodge owners and their families have graciously donated a 3-night stay in their home. The stay must be used by the warrior and is non-transferable. We understand life and medical situations do happen, so we will do our best to accommodate when these situations come up.
To be eligible for a free stay you MUST currently be battling cancer (any type) and live in Minnesota. The 3-night stay (days subject to availability) has been donated by the owners, however, the recipient will be required to sign a rental agreement with Grand View Lodge.
If you or someone you know is currently battling cancer and deserves a break, apply for a chance at a stay. Applications will be accepted until September 1st. Eight stays have been donated, one stay per month from October to May. Recipients will be notified after selection.
Warriors selected are welcome to bring family, friends, or whoever they would like to relax with. Rental units do vary in size, some can accommodate up to 20 people. Please specify on the form below how many you would be bringing and the month that works best for your stay.
Help Us Help Warriors Thrive
While the stay at Grand View Lodge has been donated by the owners, we would love to be able to provide gift cards that can be used to enjoy all the amenities Grand View has to offer. From the spa to the delicious restaurants and gift shops, let's roll out the red carpet for these Warriors – we know they deserve it.
