TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Exciting news comes to the San Marcos community as Kesem, a national nonprofit supporting children through and beyond their parents’ cancer diagnoses, launches its first-ever chapter at Texas State University. This milestone coincides with Kesem’s 25th anniversary and marks a meaningful new chapter for the organization and the local community.
Kesem’s Texas State chapter is led by Alysen Sherburne and co-directors Sadie Martin and Camille Martinez. What makes this chapter uniquely special is that its founders were once Kesem campers themselves. Since 2013, they’ve experienced the support, friendship and joy Kesem offers firsthand.
“We grew up with Kesem and decided together to bring its mission to the San Marcos community,” Sherburne shared. “Kesem is not just a program — it’s a family and we’re committed to passing this support to the next generation.”
The chapter will provide free, year-round programming for children, helping them build lasting connections and a support network to navigate their unique challenges.
The chapter hosted an interactive fundraising event at the Texas State quad, featuring custom friendship bracelets made by Kesem campers, coloring book pages and treats and a chance to win a finals care package with every donation. There was a handprint art banner in which donors could leave their mark with a colorful handprint to symbolize the community’s unity and support.
The Kesem team is busy planning for January 2025, with their first official family event expected to take place. While details are still being finalized, possible venues include Texas State’s campus or Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. The chapter also aims to collaborate with local nonprofits to expand their impact.
“Our goal is to establish a vibrant, supportive space for children who need it most,” Sherburne said. “We’re thrilled to build something lasting and meaningful in San Marcos.”
Kesem at Texas State welcomes donations of all kinds — monetary, inkind, or through community partnerships: Donation Link: https://donate. kesem.org/txstate25, Instagram: @kesemtxst and Facebook: facebook.com/ kesemtexasstate.
Interested donors can also reach out to the chapter directly at [email protected].
Join the movement to make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by cancer. Together, the community can ensure that no child faces their parent’s cancer alone.
