Get IN. with Nate Spangle Turning Grief into Fundraising for Cancer Awareness | Alex Baker, Ketchup to Cancer
On today's show I sat down with Alex Baker, a marathoner and cancer awareness fundraiser based in Brownsburg, Indiana.
Alex shares the heart-wrenching experience of losing his wife Amanda to colorectal cancer in 2019 and how it inspired him to start 'Ketchup to Cancer,' a movement channeling his love of running and hatred of ketchup and cancer into fundraising for leading cancer research institutions.
From participating in notable marathons like New York in 2023, Chicago and Boston in 2024, and London in 2025, to raising tens of thousands of dollars, Alex's journey is filled with emotion.
Alex also talks about Amanda's spirited 16-month fight against cancer, the extensive treatment process, and how he balanced being a primary parent and caregiver. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about: - Alex Baker's Wife Amanda and Her Battle vs. Colorectal Cancer - The Nonprofit 'Ketchup to Cancer' and Its Mission - Practical Ways of Handling Grief
Thank you to our partners: Indy Grills Fire and Ice Café
Check out these great clips from the show: 01:12 Guest Introduction: Alex Baker, Marathoner and Ketchup to Cancer 07:23 Amanda's Cancer Diagnosis 13:20 The Battle with Cancer Begins 17:07 Struggles and Support 22:10 Exploring Treatment Options 34:05 Facing the Reality of Terminal Illness 38:12 Final Conversations and Hospice 45:45 Reflecting on Loss and Family Support 48:46 Embracing Life's Lessons 51:04 Channeling Pain into Purpose 51:55 The Journey to Fitness and Health 55:39 Pandemic Challenges and New Beginnings 56:53 Running for a Cause: The Marathon Journey 01:06:20 The Birth of 'Ketchup to Cancer' 01:13:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections 01:18:44 Indiana Pride and Community
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