Camp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders working with children and families who are coping with the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis of a parent. They are the largest national organization dedicated to this unique population with over 100 college chapters in the country. There are 5 million children coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis.  Kesem supports these children through and beyond their parent's cancer with free and creative programs, helpful resources, meaningful connects, and a consistent community of support. 

Dr. Kerri Ashurst has served as the UK Chapter Student Advisor for Camp Kesem since its formation in 2016. Camp Kesem KY had their first camp in July 2017 with 19 children attending; their second camp in June 2018 with 28 children attending; and a third camp in July 2019 with 31 campers. In 2020, the pandemic forced us to modify our camp program and create "Kesem at Home." Kesem at Home was piloted nationally in 2020 and served over 8,600 children across the country through over 140 virtual sessions. UK held Kesem at Home programs in both 2020 and 2021. We were able to return to an in-person camp in July 2022, with 29 campers. For the new school year (August 2022 - May 2023), our UK Kesem Chapter set a goal to raise raise of $33,000. To date we have raised more than $49,000. We surpassed our goal to have 30 campers attend our camp in June 2023 with 38 campers attending.We have far surpassed our fundraising and our camp application goals for this year and the student board running UK's Kesem Chapter has far surpassed their own personal goals for engagement. It has been the most successful year we have had since our chapter was founded in 2016.