Welcome to the very first episode of the "Yes We Can" podcast! 🎙️ Hosted by Kira Andersen, this podcast is all about finding hope, resilience, and purpose in the face of life's toughest challenges. In this debut episode, Kira sits down with her dear friend, David Drier, to discuss their shared experiences with loss and their commitment to making a difference.

David, fresh from a transformative family trip to Tanzania, shares incredible stories from his safari adventure, including an up-close encounter with a pride of lions. But beyond the awe-inspiring moments with nature, David opens up about the profound loss of his daughter, Victoria Rose Dreyer, to cancer, and how today would have been her 34th birthday.

Kira and David delve into their personal journeys of grief and resilience, reflecting on the passing of Kira's husband, Kyle, to stage four pancreatic cancer, and how they both found strength in turning their pain into purpose. Together, they discuss their efforts in funding cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital, aiming to bring hope and healing to others.

Join us as we explore the power of community, the importance of living life fully, and the ways we can honor our loved ones by making a positive impact in the world. This heartfelt conversation is sure to inspire and uplift you.

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Connect with Kira:

https://linktr.ee/KIRAANDERSEN

https://www.kiraandersen.com/

Support Pedal the Cause

https://www.givesignup.org/kiraandersen

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we can make a difference. #YesWeCan #Podcast #Resilience #Hope #CancerAwareness #TurningPainIntoPurpose

Kira Andersen is launching a heartfelt and inspiring podcast called "Yes We Can." The podcast is a platform for Kira to share her personal journey of overcoming significant life challenges and to highlight the stories of others who have faced adversity. Kira's story begins with her parents' divorce during her childhood and continues to the recent loss of her husband, Kyle, to stage four pancreatic cancer at the age of 47. Kira, now a 39-year-old widow and solo parent to three young children, recounts the emotional and physical trials her family endured during Kyle's battle with cancer.

Connect with Kira Here!

https://www.kiraandersen.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theessentialsbykira/

Support Pedal the Cause

https://www.givesignup.org/kiraandersen

Kyle's diagnosis came after a year of unexplained illness and was confirmed following an emergency room visit. Despite aggressive treatment, including 32 rounds of chemotherapy, 67 infusions, and an experimental therapy through compassionate use, Kyle passed away in April 2023. Throughout this journey, Kira maintained a positive outlook and was determined to make the most of the time left with her husband, creating cherished memories and supporting him through the difficult treatments.

In honor of Kyle's legacy, Kira has initiated a fundraising campaign to support the development of the experimental cancer treatment that extended Kyle's life. The goal is to raise three million dollars to fund a phase one study, which could potentially benefit patients with various types of cancer. This mission to help others drives Kira's commitment to the podcast and her advocacy work.

The "Yes We Can" podcast will feature a diverse range of guests, including cancer survivors, families who have lost loved ones to cancer, and individuals who have overcome significant personal struggles. Kira's aim is to create a relatable and inspiring space where listeners can find hope and encouragement. Each episode will showcase stories of resilience, emphasizing the power of community and collective strength in facing life's challenges.

In addition to personal stories, the podcast will highlight charitable initiatives like Pedal the Cause, an organization that raises funds for cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center, where Kyle received treatment. Kira's team, Team Kyle, raised over $300,000 for the cause, and she continues to actively support cancer research and patient care.

Upcoming episodes will feature guests such as David Dreyer, who lost his daughter to brain cancer and is a passionate advocate for cancer research. Through these conversations, Kira aims to show how turning pain into purpose can create meaningful change and help others navigate their own struggles. "Yes We Can!" is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the belief that, together, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

#health #mentalhealth