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 has held 7 camps:

1) July 2017 with 19 children attending

2) June 2018 with 28 children attending

3) July 2019 with 31 children attending

4) 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. 

5) July 2022 with 29 children attending

6) July 2023 with 38 campers attending

7) June 2024 with 46 campers attending

For the new school year (August 2023 - May 2024), our UK Kesem Chapter set a goal to raise raise of $38,000. The UK Kesem student board was able to raise nearly $40,000. We surpassed our goal to have 40 campers register for our 2024 camp and had over 40 campers for our first time. It has been the most successful year we have had since our UK chapter was founded in 2016.