U of I's Camp Kesem supports kids impacted by parent's cancer diagnosis; How to get involved

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Monday marked a day dedicated to enhancing breast cancer awareness at WCIA 3 News. Beyond featuring insights from doctors, patients, and survivors, it’s crucial to highlight the relentless family support that accompanies those battling the disease.

This is where Kesem plays a vital role. As a nationwide nonprofit, Kesem offers complimentary programs for children with parents who have recently been diagnosed with cancer. The organization boasts nearly 5,000 college student volunteers across over 115 chapters nationwide.

Naomi Friedman and Alex Baughman from the University of Illinois chapter visited WCIA 3’s Amanda Brennan to delve into what sets Kesem apart, particularly emphasizing its standout initiative.

Camp Kesem stands as the nonprofit’s flagship initiative; it’s a sleep-away summer camp spanning three to five nights. According to organizers, college student volunteers lead the camp, giving children of parents with cancer the chance to “just be kids and enjoy the Kesem magic.”

To learn more about Kesem, and to sign up for Camp Kesem, click here.

You May Also Like

Prosecutors Pursue Capital Punishment for Lake County Man Indicted on 47 Counts of Child Sexual Abuse

In a deeply troubling case from Lake County, Florida, prosecutors are pushing…

Prosecutors Request Detention for Titusville Teen Accused in Cruise Ship Stepmurder Case

MIAMI – In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community,…

CEO Salaries See 6% Increase in 2025, with Some Packages Reaching Astonishing Levels

NEW YORK – In 2025, the average compensation for CEOs saw an…

Florida Highway Patrol Under Scrutiny for Wrongful Arrest in Fatal Multi-Vehicle Collision

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A woman was unjustly detained for nearly two…

Penpa Tsering Re-Elected: Leading Tibet’s Government-in-Exile for a Second Term

DHARAMSHALA – On Wednesday, Penpa Tsering took the oath of office for…

UK Faces Intensified Cyber Threats as Russian Attacks Escalate, Warns Communications Intel Chief

LONDON – The battle for dominance in cyberspace is intensifying, with Britain…

Governor DeSantis Announces Special Session on Property Taxes for Monday

In an unexpected turn of events, Florida’s lawmakers are gearing up for…

US Deportations of Cubans and Venezuelans to Mexico Spark Human Rights Concerns: Report

MEXICO CITY – According to a Human Rights Watch report unveiled on…

Individual Allegedly Involved in Indecent Exposure Incident at SeaWorld Resort Pool During Memorial Day Weekend

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Over the bustling Memorial Day weekend, a 56-year-old…

Farewell to an Icon: Clarence B. Jones, Co-Architect of MLK’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech, Passes at 95

CUPERTINO, Calif. – Clarence B. Jones, renowned for his pivotal role as…

Canada Enforces Self-Isolation for Travelers from Congo, Sudan, and Uganda Amid Ebola Concerns

TORONTO, ONT – In response to escalating Ebola concerns, Canada announced on…