About our 2024-25 philanthropy

Kesem is a national non-profit organization that supports children through and beyond their parent's cancer. Kesem’s flagship program—Camp Kesem—provides a free, week-long summer camp experience designed for children ages 6 to 18 to build friendships, create lasting memories, and just be kids. The chapter here at Carnegie Mellon University serves over 30 children from the greater Pittsburgh area, with support from student volunteer counselors. At camp, we focus on creating fun and empowering experiences that help these children escape—even if for a short time—the challenges of coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis. Beyond camp, year-round services such as care packages, birthday cards, and local friends and family days provide a continuum of touch points for campers and their families.

Through fundraising efforts, the chapter is able to send more children to camp, provide essential supplies and resources, and create a supportive, long-lasting community. The impact of Camp Kesem extends far beyond the summer months, fostering resilience and hope for children and families during a challenging time in their lives. Camp Kesem’s ultimate goal is ensure every child impacted by a parent’s cancer never feels alone.