GRACE, GRIT & GUCCI Kay Anderson’s unstoppable spirit Written by Jeffrey Cohen
Every so often, I meet someone who makes me feel as if I’ve been gliding through life on cruise control. Enter Kay Anderson—a woman who has stared down more adversity than anyone I’ve ever known, and somehow does it with wit, poise, and the kind of stylish resilience that makes Gucci look like a sensible shoe brand. She has endured cancer, tornadoes, and more than her share of bad hands, yet keeps coming back—smiling, determined, and, frankly, unstoppable. Anderson’s latest labor of love is Prana Play, a bright new space in Carmel designed for neurodiverse children and their families. It’s not just another play facility. Think of it as equal parts sanctuary, adventure, and social experiment in the best sense. Here, kids can climb, create, explore, and simply be themselves without judgment. Parents, too, find connection—often with each other, sharing stories and hard-earned wisdom over coffee rather than in hushed tones at therapy waiting rooms. Right next door is Waves of Change, the nonprofit she founded to support neurodiverse families. Together, the two spaces create a welcoming ecosystem where children and parents alike can find connection, resources, and joy. Families are encouraged to explore both spaces and discover how they fit into this vibrant community. For Anderson, this mission is deeply personal. One of her two daughters is autistic, and rather than quietly navigating that journey, the former Eli Lilly executive has become a champion for autism awareness—unflinchingly vocal on social media. Her posts overflow with photos and reflections that are loving, raw, and refreshingly unapologetic. In a culture still learning how to embrace neurodiversity, Anderson leads by example: celebrating her child exactly as she is and encouraging other families to do the same.
126 slmag.net