The Koehler Foundation was born from a deeply personal journey shaped by resilience, community, and gratitude.
One year after graduating from college, the Foundation’s co-founder, Kyle Koehler, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and began chemotherapy almost immediately. In the midst of treatment, what could have been an isolating experience became a powerful reminder of the strength found in community. Friends, family, and neighbors rallied with knitted scarves, home-cooked meals, and thoughtful messages that brought comfort, levity, and hope during the most difficult moments. The impact of that support was immeasurable.
Moved by the generosity he received, Kyle felt called to give back in a meaningful way. From that desire, the Acevedo-Landgrave-Koehler Scholarship was established in honor of the late Mrs. Acevedo—a beloved philanthropist and family friend—and her family. The scholarship was created to support graduating high school seniors whose lives had been impacted by cancer, whether through their own diagnosis or that of a parent or sibling, as they pursued higher education.
The first recipient, a cancer survivor and graduating senior, began studies at the University of Alabama in 2017 with plans to pursue nursing. She now serves as a Grants and Contracts Coordinator with the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium, a collaborative network of more than 50 hospitals advancing childhood cancer clinical trials. Her journey reflects the very spirit the scholarship was designed to uplift.
Since that inaugural award, funded through a home-grown effort, the scholarship has grown significantly. Each year, it recognizes resilient, compassionate students who have transformed hardship into purpose. Recipients have founded adaptive cheerleading teams, launched Meals on Wheels initiatives in their communities, and even created foundations in memory of siblings lost to cancer. These young leaders exemplify strength, empathy, and a commitment to serving others.
After reaching the 10-year cancer-free milestone, Kyle and his wife, Nicole, decided to formalize the Koehler Foundation as a 501(c)(3) to carry the mission forward: To empower individuals affected by cancer by expanding access to higher education, building community, and fostering personal growth rooted in lived experiences. They remain deeply grateful for the community that inspired this mission. With continued support, the Koehler Foundation looks forward to growing its reach and expanding opportunities for the remarkable people it serves.
