Programs
We’ve Got Your Back
Our Warrior Pack Program was created in hopes that INDY could provide a little extra love and support to cancer warriors entering the battlefield. The original cancer warrior, Kyle Strand always had a bag of his favorite things to take with him to treatment and appointments. This served as our inspiration for spreading love and providing backpacks for Minnesota's Cancer Warriors to area hospitals and cancer centers.
INDY Has Your Back
As a non-profit, our funds are limited - so we looked for alternative options to help this program succeed. In 2019, we applied for a grant through the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. We were successful in securing this grant and have continued to be awarded funds every year since. To date, we have packed and distributed over 7,400 backpacks thanks to various partners and our yearly partnership with Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund.
Thank you to Randy Shaver research and community fund along with local businesses that have helped pack and distribute backpacks, including Minnwest Bank, Stearns Electric, Christensen Group Insurance, and Benton Telecommunications Foundation (a local foundation).
What’s in a Cancer Backpack?
A little of this, a little of that, and a lot of love! Each pack is put together with a journal and pen, warrior socks, water bottle, chapstick, and a personal note from the INDY Tribe - reminding each Warrior they’re not alone in their fight. Each item in the pack is thoughtfully added based on cancer Warriors’ previous experiences and what we know they’ll use and appreciate most.
How to Help with the Warrior Pack Program
We need YOU! INDY would love to sustain and grow this program across the great state of Minnesota. This program is a tangible, incredible opportunity for organizations to get involved and fundraise for a specific project that helps cancer Warriors. Do you have a local cancer center, hospital, or other facility that you would like to help? The contents of the packs can be modified to fit the needs and ages of those you are supporting. We have the tools and marketing to help you fundraise for your community of cancer warriors. If you are interested in packing backpacks, or have a connection to a hospital that may be interested in distributing please reach out below.
