the transformative support

of an empowering community

We believe all children facing a parent's cancer deserve the chance to fully experience the joys of childhood and be their best selves.

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Creating fun. Building community. Empowering the next generation.

Passionate college students lead our community. Working alongside alumni and supporters, they create experiences and connections where these children can process, connect, heal, and thrive. 

For many of the children and our volunteers, Kesem is a life-changing experience that spans far beyond a week at summer camp. It fosters bonds and understanding that builds resilience, confidence, and lasting feelings of hope and joy. That's the magic of Kesem.

Read our 3-Year Strategic Plan
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The Challenge

Today, more than 5 million children are impacted by a parent’s cancer in the United States. ¹These children can experience increased anxiety, emotional isolation, loss of social interest, and feelings of hopelessness, among other things.

While many programs, services, and communities support those coping with their own cancer diagnosis, these children often lack the resources, spaces, or peer-to-peer support tailored to help address their needs and experiences.
¹Source: Center for Disease Control and American Cancer Society data analyzed by Decision Resources Group.

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Who We Are

We work to ensure that every child affected by a parent’s cancer is never alone.

In our community, thousands of children facing the challenges of a parent’s cancer can escape the sadness and isolation that cancer creates and connect with peers who understand and are able to provide comfort and support.

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Our Work

We create experiences and a lasting community to support children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. Across the country, we are reaching more children and families impacted by cancer every year.

Our unique student leader model sustains successful delivery of our flagship program, Camp Kesem, and other fun, creative, and inclusive year-round programs and services.

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Our Impact

We welcome children coping 
with a parent's cancer into a supportive community where 
they find caring volunteers, exemplary role models in our college student leaders, and friends that they can relate to. 
This new environment leads 
to more positive outcomes for them, including:
Improved self-esteem
Enhanced coping skills
Increased self-confidence
Stronger emotional intelligence

Camp Kesem has given me a family of people who are always there for me and understand what my situation is like. Camp Kesem has truly been one of the most incredible experiences of my entire life."
—kesem camper
Balancing a Parent’s Cancer Treatment With Children’s Routines: Maintaining Normalcy in Extraordinary Circumstances

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Balancing a Parent’s Cancer Treatment With Children’s Routines: Maintaining Normalcy in Extraordinary Circumstances

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Supporting Children After the Loss of a Parent to Cancer

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Supporting Children After the Loss of a Parent to Cancer

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How to Talk to Your Children About Your Cancer Recurrence

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How to Talk to Your Children About Your Cancer Recurrence

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Telling Your Children You Have Cancer

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Telling Your Children You Have Cancer

A cancer diagnosis is shocking and upsetting, leaving you anxious, confused, and dazed. Then it hits you: how will you tell your children you have cancer? 

Breaking the news to your children that you have cancer can be one of the most challenging conversations to have with your children. Worrying about how they’ll react and cope with the news is natural. They may feel scared, confused, and worried about your health and their future. 

There’s no right or wrong way to let your children know about your cancer diagnosis (although keeping it a secret is not recommended). Everyone reacts differently to the news of a cancer diagnosis. But you know your children better than anyone, including the best way to share the news. Here are some tips to help you talk to your children about your diagnosis. 

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 Summer Camp Programming Models: Their Role and Impact on Youth Development

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Summer Camp Programming Models: Their Role and Impact on Youth Development

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Short & Long-Term Importance of Psychosocial Peer Support for Kids Facing a Parent's Cancer Diagnosis

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Short & Long-Term Importance of Psychosocial Peer Support for Kids Facing a Parent's Cancer Diagnosis

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly two million people were diagnosed with cancer in the US in 2021 — with thousands of them estimated to be parents of minor children. Children whose parents have cancer react to the diagnosis in various ways.

Multiple studies show that children dealing with a parent’s cancer diagnosis have a higher risk of emotional and behavioral problems, like depression and anxiety. Several factors — the disruption of daily routines, changing household roles, financial stress, and a parent’s physical and emotional availability — are contributing aspects.

Although each child might react differently, common issues might also include difficulties in school and other social settings and regressive behavior. For some children, reactions can indicate symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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The Impact Young Adult Mentors Make in a Peer-Led Organization

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The Impact Young Adult Mentors Make in a Peer-Led Organization

There’s extensive information available about how mentors make a significant difference in the lives of their mentees. However, the mentoring relationship is a two-way street, and serving as a mentor in a peer-led organization can profoundly impact the lives of both the mentor and the mentee.

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The Role & Impact of Young Adult Mentors for Kids Facing Childhood Trauma

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The Role & Impact of Young Adult Mentors for Kids Facing Childhood Trauma

First and foremost, mentors can ensure that children dealing with a parent with cancer don’t feel alone. Regardless of their situation — dealing with a recently diagnosed parent, one undergoing treatment, a parent who’s a cancer survivor, or the pain of coping with the loss of a parent due to cancer — a mentor will provide support.

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When a Parent Has Cancer: the Emotional and Psychosocial Impact

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When a Parent Has Cancer: the Emotional and Psychosocial Impact

A cancer diagnosis turns everyone’s world into a tailspin. Fortunately, there are ways to help children cope with cancer's emotional, psychological, and social impact.

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Meet Some of Our Team Kesem Runners

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Meet Some of Our Team Kesem Runners

As we build our team ahead of the runDisney races, we can’t help but admire the incredible stories of our Team Kesem participants. 

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Thank You for a Magical Summer

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Thank You for a Magical Summer

One thing is for sure—there is nothing quite like the positive impact that a summer of Camp Kesem leaves on every member of our community.

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Coming Home to Kesem

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Coming Home to Kesem

As we kick off this year’s cycle of national event galas, we want to highlight the special moments we saw during the Magic Ball Boston and Magic Ball Chicago.

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I Spy A Butterfly

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I Spy A Butterfly

As we prepare for our first summer back to in-person camp in 2 years, we’re doing a deep dive into the why behind some of the new things you will see!

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Welcome to Kesem Stories!

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Welcome to Kesem Stories!

We're excited to launch a permanent collection of Kesem stories for our community to share.

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