Camp Kesem National

My story
Many of you know I went through breast cancer treatment back in 2013.  At the time, my daughters were three years old and 15 months old.  One of the promises I made to myself during treatment was I wanted to pay it forward to others after I was done with treatment.  Serving on the Kesem Organization's Boston Board is one of the ways I give back. 

About Kesem National and Camp Kesem
Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent's cancer. A program of Kesem, Camp Kesem operates free summer camps for children who have been touched by a parent's cancer. Founded at Stanford University in 2000, Camp Kesem has since expanded to over 100 chapters across the country.  Each year over 5,000 college students across 44 states run camps for over 10,000 kids between the ages of 6 and 18 who have been impacted by a parent's cancer.

I'm not just a Kesem board member.  Camp Kesem is personal too--my own daughters have attended Camp Kesem, so I can personally attest to the amazingness of Kesem.  

Annual Fundraising Campaign
Want to join me in making a difference?   I've set a goal to raise $3,000 for this year's fundraiser.  For every $5 donated, I'll do a pushup.  If I hit my $3,000 goal, that's 600 pushups(!). To keep me honest, I'll record every pushup as the donations come in.  

Need some additional motivation to donate besides helping a good cause?  Here are a few additional incentives:

1) You don't have to do any pushups!  You just get to watch me.

2) When I hit the halfway mark ($1,500), I'll setup every obstacle I have in my yard and run through my own obstacle course.  To up the ante, the backyard will likely be very muddy, so hilarity will likely ensue.  Yes, I'll document all of the fun.

3) If the $3,000 goal is achieved, every person that donates will receive a 30% discount to an Obstacle Fitness Active Academy program.   I'll send these out shortly after the end of the campaign.

Want More Info about Camp Kesem?
If you know of a family that is/has a parent who has gone through cancer treatment and you think they'd be interested in hearing more about Camp Kesem, please reach out!  I'm happy to share more info or invite them as my personal guest to the event.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

In 2015, our Alpha-Tau Chapter of the Chi Phi Fraternity lost one of our greatest brothers, Josh Brigham, who would have graduated in 2016. Josh dedicated his life to helping children with cancer. He was a counselor at Camp Kesem and was known to have an infectious smile and a big heart. Since 2016, our chapter has hosted a charity volleyball tournament in his memory to raise money for Camp Kesem and other pediatric cancer foundations.  Any donation you make is greatly appreciated. 


More information about Camp Kesem National: Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent's cancer. A program of Kesem, Camp Kesem operates free summer camps for children who have been touched by a parent's cancer. Founded at Stanford University in 2000, Camp Kesem has since expanded to over 100 chapters across the country.

Mackenzie has decided she wants to do a 50 Day Challenge. 50 5ks in 50 Days.....for Charity.

Camp Kesem is her charity of choice. 

There are over 3 million children in the United States who have been affected by a parent's cancer, many of whom live in Pennsylvania and the greater Pittsburgh area. Camp Kesem is the only national organization that serves these children, and Carnegie Mellon is proud to join the growing movement as one of over 80 chapters to hold camp this summer.