On this episode of Powered by Authenticity I am joined by Kaely Kwitek, Co-Founder of Kaely's Kindness Foundation.
At just 16 years old, Kaely Kwitek was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)—a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. During her treatment, Kaely realized there wasn’t a support group designed specifically for teen girls facing cancer. So, she decided to change that.
While receiving inpatient care, Kaely and her go-to person, Emily, noticed another patient sitting alone in her hospital room. They ordered a pizza and shared a moment of connection that changed everything. That small act of kindness inspired Kaely’s mom to write a grant request to Pizza Hut—and Kaely’s Kindness Foundation was born.
Today, Kaely’s Kindness is a beacon of hope for girls ages 11–21 navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment. It’s more than a support group—it’s a sisterhood built on understanding, compassion, and shared experience. From back-to-school shopping and spa days to retreats and Friendsgiving celebrations, the foundation creates moments of joy and belonging for young women who need it most. Above that, the Kaely's Kindness Foundation gives back to families in ways they need to feel a sense of relief to some of the everyday burdens they still face -- such as rent, utilities, and daily expenses. This allows them to be able to fully focus on care and healing.
I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Kaely, and the impact she’s making for teens across Western New York is truly remarkable. One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation? If you want it—get creative and find it. That tenacious spirit has helped Kaely’s Kindness grow to support over 116 teenage girls battling this unforgiving disease.
Thank you, Kaely, for joining the show and for turning your own journey into a message of hope, connection, and community for others.
Links to find Kaely and Kaely's Kindness Foundation:
Kaely Kwitek | LinkedInHome | kaelys-kindnessAbout Kaely:
Kaely Kwitek, Co-founder of Kaely’s Kindness. Kaely startedKaely’s Kindness back in 2012 after her journey with Cancer begun. Kaely was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and saw minimal resources for the teenage and young adult demographic. With that she founded Kaely’s Kindness. The foundation provides practical, peer and social support to young woman living with cancer.
Kaely’s Kindness is a volunteer run organization. During the day Kaely works at Ingram Micro as a Supply Chain Consultant and before that was a Financial Business Manager on the FP&A team where she has was for over 5 years andhas been with the company for almost 8 years. In her spare time, she enjoys being an aunt to her three nieces and creating family memories. Kaely has two Goldendoodles, Ghost and Gabbana with her boyfriend and resides in Amherst, NY.
