A Kesem family joins Maria Shriver to shed light on the heavy task youth caregivers have of tending to sick caregivers.

Club Kesem

Strengthening communities across the country.  

Club Kesem brings compassion and technology together to create more transformative experiences for children facing a parent’s cancer.

About Club Kesem

Club Kesem, our new pilot program, is a national virtual meet-up offered monthly for more connection opportunities from coast to coast. This program is offered by the national Kesem organization and staffed with alumni and student volunteers nationwide.

It’s designed for children and youth ages 6-18 facing a parent’s cancer to meet with kids their age who are going through similar experiences.

What can you expect during Club Kesem?

Activities that are rooted in fun, inclusion, support, and reflection.

FUN

Your child will have fun, and “feel like a kid,” at Club Kesem. We will come together, laugh, play, and experience moments of joy to create deeper connections and a lasting sense of community.

iNclusion

Your child will feel welcome, included, and accepted at Club Kesem. We will spend dedicated time getting to know one another, and will help Kesem Kids who are new to our programs share in our tradition of choosing a special “Kesem name” that is unique to them!

SUPPORT

Your child will experience the power of transformative peer-to-peer support at Club Kesem. We will gather in group(s) by age to enjoy games and activities that foster meaningful connections, and build empathy and understanding for others.

REFLECTION

Your child will have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences. We will engage in thoughtful activities and discussions where participants will be invited to to share more about their parent’s cancer if they choose to, and in ways that are most comfortable for them.

At Kesem we find that the combination of fun, inclusion, support, and reflection is the perfect mix for creating an environment that feels safe and secure, and allows Kesem kids to open up and express themselves in ways they may never have before. This secure environment fosters a unique community unlike any other, where kids see firsthand that they are not alone.

“Thank you, Club Kesem. My son was reluctant to interact socially today, but you broke through to his heart. He is a shy guy. You got him interacting fully when you asked about his favorite movie. His favorite topic is movies. He thoroughly enjoyed showing off his dog, Snowflake. You are magical! Thank you. He said he will definitely join again."

—kesem parent

Upcoming Schedule

Club Kesem is offered the first Tuesday and Thursday of each month. The program takes place virtually via Zoom and lasts one hour. See the upcoming schedule below.

Please note that dates are subject to change and all final program details will be shared via email following registration.

We are continuing to add more dates and times based on need, which all registered participants will be notified of via email.

2024

OCTOBER

Tuesday, October 1 at 6:30 PM EST
and 6:30 PM PST

Tuesday, October 1 at 8:00 PM EST
(WonderChat+Club Kesem)

Thursday, October 3 at 6:30 PM EST
and 6:30 PM PST

Thursday, October 3 at 8:00 PM EST
(WonderChat+Club Kesem)

NOVEMBER

Thursday, November 7 at 6:30 PM EST
and 6:30 PM PST

Thursday, November 7 at 8:00 PM EST
(WonderChat+ Club Kesem)

Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 PM EST
and 6:30 PM PST

Thursday, November 12 at 8:00 PM EST
(WonderChat+ Club Kesem)

Join Kesem and our friends at Wonders & Worries as we host an extra-special Club Kesem for children and an all-new WonderChatTM for Parents!
‍
Wonders & Worries provides free, professional support for children and teenagers during a parent’s serious illness or injury so that they can reach their full potential.

Ready to get involved with Club Kesem?

Interested, but still have questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email
your question to Club.Kesem@kesem.org .

What if my child is uncomfortable being on video?

Your child is welcome to join Club Kesem with their camera on or off. They can also participate via a mobile phone.

What time of day is Club Kesem offered?

Club Kesem typically takes place in the late afternoon/evening (depending on your timezone).

Is Club Kesem a grief support program or group therapy?

No. Kesem does not provide therapy in any of our programs, although many families agree that participating in them is therapeutic for their child(ren). Club Kesem is a safe environment for children to receive support and connect with peers who also have or have had a parent or guardian with cancer. If you are interested in grief support or group therapy, please visit our Family Resources page to learn about other support providers.

Ready to sign up your child for Club Kesem?

If you have questions, please contact Club.Kesem@kesem.org .

Club Kesem, like all of our Kesem programs, is offered at no cost to families served.

Interested in supporting our work and enabling Kesem to serve even more families in the years ahead?

Make a donation today.