Kesem is a 501c3 non-profit organization driven by passionate college student leaders that support kids through and beyond a parent's cancer. Our local chapter at UC San Diego has been operating since 2004, and has expanded from serving 15 campers during our first year to 170+ campers for this upcoming year! Each year, we provide a summer camp for children whose parent(s) has/had/passed away from cancer. We fundraise as college students so that our campers are able to attend camp entirely free of charge. We directly support children in San Diego County during one of the most confusing and traumatic times in their life. Our camp and the community we create increases their self confidence and teaches them how to process their grief. 

As a part of this effort, our organization hosts an annual charity fundraising gala called Make the Magic. This year, we aim to raise $75,000 through this event, with over 275 attendees, to help send more than 170 children, ages 6-18, to camp completely free of charge. The event will take place in Downtown San Diego, CA on February 3, 2024. For more information, please visit our website: https://ucsdmtm2.wixsite.com/2024