Kesem

Guten tag, Kesem friends! ?? ???? We were thrilled to travel abroad and stamp our passports for #TeamKesem's second-annual appearance at the BERLIN-MARATHON earlier this month! Nine incredible runners fundraised, trained, and trekked to Germany to raise more than $35,000 and cross the finish line for children impacted by a parent's cancer. We couldn't be more inspired by their passion and commitment to our mission. A heartfelt congratulations and Danke sch?n to Joshua, Elaine, Gaveen, Danielle, Courtney, Sharon, Robin, Kristopher, and Barry on this globe-trotting achievement! ?? Do you want to join us to #runKesem at home and abroad? Racing with #TeamKesem means guaranteed entry, free Kesem gear and goodies, team dinner and bonding events, and more. Register for upcoming #TeamKesem races, and make a difference in every mile at https://lnkd.in/gZ52YKqW! ?? ?? #KesemMagic

Often times when we talk about mental health, children are left out of the conversation. But children’s mental health IS mental health - and the latest research from the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund tells us that around 1 in every 7 children and adolescents aged 10-19 are affected by mental health conditions, with anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders among the most common. And they need us. A parent's cancer diagnosis, or the loss of a parent to cancer, significantly impacts a child's mental health, increasing anxiety and emotional isolation and exacerbating the complex "everyday" challenges of navigating the world as a young child, pre-teen, or teenager. Peer support networks can be essential lifelines for children during hard times. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) suggests that peer-to-peer support and connection can mitigate feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety in children affected by a family member’s cancer diagnosis - and help them develop critical life skills like empathy, resilience, and coping along the way, too. We’re not meant to face life’s hardships alone, and if there’s one thing we want you to remember on #WorldMentalHealthDay, it’s that you don’t have to. ?? We believe that we are stronger with friends who understand us by our side, and it’s at the core of who we are and what we do for the last 25 years. We’re here to walk beside you on your journey. We’re here for you through and beyond a parent's cancer, no matter what. Learn more about our free programs and services for kids impacted by a parent's cancer by visiting the link in our bio or heading directly to kesem.org. #KesemMagic #KesemEverlasting ? #MentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth #ChildMentalHealth #ChildrensMentalHealth #YouthDevelopment #YouthSupport #MentalHealthSupport #CancerSupport #CancerSurvivor #CancerSurvivors #ParentingWithCancer #Depression #Anxiety #Kesem #CampKesem

#DAFForKesem ?? Kesem is really proud to be participating in the first-ever #DAFDay, a new day of giving that will change how the world sees donor-advised funds, and who uses them, from today forward. DAFs make it easier to plan for your charitable giving, and they're easier to use than ever before - making it a no-brainer when it comes to supporting your favorite nonprofits. As you know, gifts from a DAF—and all kinds of charitable gifts—mean so much to us as we work to support more children impacted by a parent's cancer than ever before. Thank you for joining us on the journey. Learn more and get started now at https://lnkd.in/eKhDZYuS.

Feel your feelings. Be where your feet are. Remember that you are never, ever alone. Kesem love on #WorldMentalHealthDay and every day ??

On September 26, we welcomed passionate luminaries to San Francisco to join us at our annual Night Magic gala, benefitting Kesem. ?? It was an inspiring evening full of amazing company, impactful stories, and lots of #KesemMagic. Together, you helped us raise $100,000 - all of which goes directly towards our mission of supporting children through and beyond a parent's cancer. We couldn't do this without you. We are endlessly thankful. ?? ? If you're eager to attend a Kesem gala where you can connect with others within the Kesem community and make a difference, we have one more event coming up this month: Our LA Magic Makers Ball is on October 25, and we would love to see you there! For more information and to secure your seats, visit https://lnkd.in/g7iNSfB9

Join us in welcoming Lucas Taylor, also known as "Sharkbait," to the Kesem team! ?? Luke is joining the Kesem team as a Regional Program Coordinator. He began volunteering with Kesem in his first year at Boston University, serving as a counselor for Kesem at Boston University. Through the years, Luke served in a number of roles within the chapter, including the Volunteer Coordinator and Chapter Director, and outside of the chapter as a Camp Advisor and Advisory Board member for Kesem at New York University. Luke has his Bachelor's Degree in History, with a special interest in the classics and the Civil Rights Era. Since graduating, Luke has stayed in the youth development and camp space, and brings the knowledge gained from these experiences with him to this role. Originally from Connecticut, Luke currently resides in New York, NY. In his personal life, Luke is a big fan of board games and trivia, coffee, film and television, and spending time with friends and family. Luke is very excited to be a part of the amazing team at Kesem, and we're excited to have him! ?? ?? #NewHire #EmployeeEngagement #RemoteWork #RemoteEmployees #RemoteEmployee #RemoteTeam #NonProfit #NonProfitLeadership #NonProfitTeam #NonProfitGrowth #EmployeeOnboarding #EmployeeWelcome #TeamBuilding #KesemAlumni

?? Last call to vote in Kesem's Annual Photo Contest! This is it - today is the LAST DAY to cast your votes for your favorite photos. It's a close race, and every vote counts! ?? You can show your support by donating-to-vote for your favorite contest entries from a Kesem chapter or from a Kesem community member in honor of our 25th Anniversary! ?? Voting is easy and just takes a few moments: 1. Visit the contest page at: https://lnkd.in/ekcYNqqq 2. Explore the contest overview and leaderboard 3. Select "view entries & vote" to browse photo submissions 4. Vote for your favorites by making a donation So far, we’ve raised an incredible $11,691, but we’re not done yet! Your support can help us make an even greater impact in helping support children impacted by a parent's cancer. ??

Don't miss your chance to donate-to-vote! ?? ??? We are thrilled to celebrate the transformative impact of #KesemMagic during our second-annual Kesem Photo Contest, where $1=1 vote and all proceeds benefit children facing a parent's cancer. You can show your support by donating-to-vote for your favorite contest entries from a Kesem chapter or from a Kesem community member in honor of our 25th Anniversary! ?? Voting is easy and just takes a few moments: 1. Visit the contest page at: https://lnkd.in/ekcYNqqq 2. Explore the contest overview and leaderboard 3. Select "view entries & vote" to browse photo submissions 4. Vote for your favorites by making a donation Photo contest winners will be selected based on the number of votes received and category submission criteria. Winning Kesem chapters and community member participants will be featured in a custom 25th Anniversary 2025 Kesem calendar, highlighted on our national social media platforms, and more! To view submissions, donate-to-vote, and learn more about our Kesem Photo Contest guidelines, visit https://lnkd.in/ekcYNqqq now! ?

For 25 years, Kesem has been committed to creating supportive communities and transformative experiences for children who have a parent with cancer or have lost a parent to cancer. In that time, more than 200,000 student leaders, volunteers, donors, and supporters have joined us in creating meaningful moments and memories in the lives of more than 60,000 children and their families nationwide. Today, our sleepaway camp experiences, afternoon programs, and virtual meet-up offerings provide more pathways for these children and their families to create moments and memories that will last a lifetime. We continue to dream of a tomorrow where no child has to face a parent’s cancer. Until there is a cure, Kesem will be by their side, no matter what. ?? On our 25th anniversary, we invite you to share in these special moments that have made us, and make us, who we are. Join us in celebrating Kesem today, Kesem forever, Kesem Everlasting. If you feel called today, you can make a gift in support of children facing a parent’s cancer and help ensure our 25th year is our best yet by visiting https://lnkd.in/eiwDZNrb. ? #KesemAt25 #KesemEverlasting

Today, we're extending a warm Kesem welcome to the newest member of our team, Brooke Argue-Brackett, aka Hoops! ?? ?? Brooke joined the Kesem team in July 2024 and serves as a Regional Program Coordinator, overseeing the Northern California region. Prior to that, Brooke served different roles in the teaching community, including a teacher, coach, and mentor. Brooke graduated from Wayne State University and studied Education with a comprehensive degree in Early Childhood Education. While at Wayne State, she created and managed the Love Your Melon crew, coached at the high school and collegiate level and served as a staff member at Mid-American Pompon, mentoring middle and high school athletes. Brooke is passionate about Kesem’s mission and the magic it creates for #KesemKids and their families, as it relates to her own experiences and commitment to supporting children and families facing a parent's cancer. She currently lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and her dog, Rusty Rodeo. In her spare time, she loves to travel, listen to music, spend time with friends and family, and walk around the city. We're so glad to have you, Brooke! #KesemMagic #NewHire #EmployeeEngagement #RemoteWork #RemoteEmployees #RemoteEmployee #RemoteTeam #NonProfit #NonProfitLeadership #NonProfitTeam #NonProfitGrowth #EmployeeOnboarding #EmployeeWelcome #TeamBuilding