The Merten FamilyPewaukee, Wisconsin

Sometimes you feel alone in the world of cancer, and with the Camp Kesem family, you know you're not. It's therapeutic to know that the world is full of caring, kind individuals who for a week can help you forget about the worries or sadness you may feel, open your hearts and minds to new experiences and new people, and who can teach you to try to live each day in the moment...

The counseloThe counselors and staff are awesome examples of great young adults who the kids love to be around and can aspire to be like. I see my daughters with their Kesem group each summer, see their smiles, hear their laughter, and know that life is wonderful, precious, and that they will be happy and successful in their lives.

-- Molly Merten, mom of campers Danielle, Anna, Elizabeth (and Joe who's too young for camp yet) and wife of Mike Merten, a wonderful husband, dad, cancer fighter, and one who I know is thankful for Camp Kesem.

“I feel good that other people know how I feel. I can meet new people that feel the same way and I can talk to them about how I'm sad sometimes about cancer and how my dad died from it.” - Danielle, 8 years old

“I got to meet new people that went through what I went through. I got to hear other people's stories about how cancer affected their life. I also had a lot of fun.” - Anna, 11 years old

“I got to meet new people that went through the same thing that I went through. I knew I wasn't alone. - Elizabeth, 13 years old