Photo Source: University of Nevada, Reno Friends and Family day, 2022.

By Lauryn Kern

Kesem is an incredible nonprofit organization that has been providing support and resources to children whose parents have cancer for almost 20 years. I enrolled at UNR nearly four years ago right when this chapter of Kesem had begun without a clue of what it was or what it would eventually mean to me. As I was looking to get involved after hearing about the organization from my partner, I found that the more people I talked to about their experiences at camp the more of their bizarre and heartwarming stories came to light.

What is Kesem?

Kesem is a nationwide organization that focuses on supporting children whose parents are battling cancer. The organization was founded in 2000 by a group of Stanford University students led by Dr. Estee Neuwirth, who wanted to provide a safe and supportive environment for children whose parents had been diagnosed with cancer.

Kesem has since grown to become the largest national organization of its kind, with chapters in over 40 states, providing free services to thousands of children every year. Each chapter is run by college students who volunteer their time to help these children and make sure they know they are not alone.

What Does Kesem Do?

Kesem works to provide support, resources, and activities to children whose parents have cancer. The organization offers a variety of services, including free summer camps and year-round programs, as well as support groups, mentoring, and other resources.

Kesem’s primary goal is to help children cope with the emotional and financial hardships that come with having a parent with cancer. The organization also works to provide a sense of community and belonging to these children and to help them feel less isolated and more connected with their peers while providing education and resources to families to help them better understand the effects of cancer and how to cope with the disease.

How Does Kesem Help Kids Whose Parents have Cancer?

Kesem provides a range of services and resources to children whose parents have cancer, helping them cope with the emotional and financial hardships of the disease. The organization works to create a safe, supportive environment for these children, where they can connect with peers, receive mentoring and support, and be part of a community.

Kesem also provides educational materials and resources to families, to help them better understand the effects of cancer and how to cope with the disease.

Kesem’s summer camps and year-round programs are a great way for children to have fun and build friendships, while also learning how to cope with the realities of living with a parent with cancer. The camps and programs provide a safe and supportive environment where children can learn how to express their feelings and work through their emotions.

What Does Kesem’s College Nonprofit Club Offer?

Kesem’s college nonprofit club is a great way for college students to get involved in the organization and make a difference in the lives of children whose parents have cancer. The club offers a variety of ways for students to get involved, including fundraising, volunteering at summer camps and year-round programs, and participating in awareness campaigns.

The college nonprofit club also provides students with the opportunity to learn more about the organization and the amazing work it does. The club regularly hosts events, such as panel discussions and workshops, to provide students with insight into the organization and the services it offers.

The college nonprofit club is a great way for college students to become more involved with the organization and support the mission of Kesem.

Why should I donate to Kesem?

Donating to Kesem is a great way to support the organization and its mission. By donating, you will be helping to provide resources and services to children whose parents have cancer, as well as offering education and support to their families.

Your donation will also help Kesem continue to provide its services, as well as develop new programs and activities for the children and their families. Your donation will also help the organization to expand its reach to more children in need.

How can I donate to Kesem?

Donating to Kesem is easy. You can donate to my personal Classy page at https://donate.kesem.org/fundraiser/4197054 where all the proceeds go directly to hosting my chapter’s second year at camp, as well as help me make my personal goal of fundraising $1,000. Each $1,000 we raise helps send another kid in need to camp so every dollar counts. 

You can also support Kesem by fundraising, volunteering at events, or spreading awareness about the organization and its mission.

Overall, Kesem is an incredible organization that works to provide support and resources to children whose parents have cancer. By joining their college nonprofit club, you can get involved in the organization and make a difference in the lives of these children. The club offers a variety of activities, such as fundraising and volunteering, as well as workshops and panel discussions. Additionally, you will gain valuable skills and experience that could be beneficial to you in the future.

Donating to Kesem is also a great way to support the organization and its mission. Your donation will help the organization to continue to provide its services, as well as develop new programs and activities for the children and their families.