In January 2017, camper parent Jessica was almost a year into her recovery after 10 months of surgeries and treatments when she learned about Kesem from a family member. Her interest was piqued, and she signed her kids up for Kesem at the University of Kansas. At her first orientation, she listened to the student leaders share about Kesem, watched a video from the prior year’s Camp Kesem - and affirmed her decision to register.

“I pretty much cried through the whole video... partly out of sadness this even had to be a thing for kids, but a lot out of excitement for my kids to get to go to this camp. It looked so fun! We looked forward to the camp for our kids... to go and just be kids, but also to be around kids that felt a lot of their same feelings.”

Attending for the first time that summer and many years following, the family has since cultivated lasting relationships with Kesem student leaders, parents, and supporters. As Jessica shared, “I'd say my favorite part of Kesem is the forever family you have and the year-round support.”

And nearly seven years since their journey began, 2024 marks another important milestone for the family.

“My son is a high school senior and is going for his final year. And my oldest, who once felt like she had no ‘community’ for what she was going through and feeling, is now a counselor and absolutely loves still being a part of the Kesem magic for others, just like the counselors before her were for her,” said Jessica. “Each Giving Tuesday, she strives to ‘earn’ the equivalent of what it costs for her to go to camp for four years, and she's achieved that so far each year, with one to go. Kesem is life-changing for many of these kids, and it will mean so much to our family... for many years to come.”

At Kesem, we know the impact of our programs stay with the children and families that we serve far beyond their experiences at Camp Kesem, Friends + Families Day, Club Kesem, and more. It lives alongside them as their families move through their experience with a parent’s cancer, helping to build resilience, connection, and friendship that lasts a lifetime.

We are honored to be part of these journeys. Your support and generosity allow us to share enduring Kesem magic with more children and their families from coast to coast. Get involved today.