How a Great Loss Can Reveal Your True Purpose | Alka Kumari

What happens when grief becomes purpose? In this deeply emotional episode of the Madaraka Festival Podcast, Simon Javan Okelo sits down with Alka Kumari — UX designer, mother, and co-founder of Kyra’s Hope Foundation. After losing her daughter Kyra to childhood cancer, Alka made a decision: turn pain into hope for other families. From India to Seattle… from hospital rooms to hope boxes… this conversation explores love, community, resilience, childhood cancer awareness, and the power of human connection. Kyra’s story will stay with you. Watch now and support the mission of Kyra’s Hope Foundation. 🎟️ Join us live during the Madaraka Festival Pop-Up Series at The Royal Room: https://thestranger.boldtypetickets.c... In partnership with: @keziracafeseattle @okelojavan Support the Madaraka Festival Podcast: https://madarakafestival.com/get-invo... 00:00 – Introduction 00:21 – Meet Alka Kumari 01:34 – “I’m Here as Kyra’s Mom” 02:41 – Growing Up in India: Community, Culture & Compassion 05:11 – How Kyra Started the Hope Boxes Initiative 05:58 – How India Shaped Alka’s Compassion 07:07 – Kyra’s Final Selfless Decision 08:23 – Kyra Asking If AI Could Help Cure Cancer 09:19 – Turning Grief Into Purpose 10:04 – The Small Joys That Kept Kyra’s Spirit Alive 10:32 – Kyra’s Day of Light Event 11:43 – The Taylor Swift Song Kyra Loved 12:27 – Why Childhood Cancer Awareness Matters 13:41 – “Find Out Who Needs Help” 14:08 – The Funding Crisis Around Childhood Cancer 16:12 – How People Can Support Kyra’s Hope Foundation 17:34 – Why Community Matters More Than Ever 18:08 – Subscribe to Madaraka Festival YouTube Channel 18:43 – Final Reflections 19:34 – Simon Reflects on Losing His Mother 20:01 – How to Support Kyra’s Hope Foundation 20:30 – Closing Remarks