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 Berlin 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
