MUNCIE, Ind. — Camp Kesem has put on a night full of community, love, and magic. Camp Kesem’s “Make the Magic” gala is not just a fundraiser, but a night that changes lives.
Grafton Murray, known as “Lyric” at camp, stated, “Camp Kesem means like connecting, and Kesem means magic, you connect to everyone, and everyone makes you feel welcomed.” Everyone camper gets to pick a traditional Kesem name to go by, but the impact of camp goes far beyond a nickname.
Camp Kesems Ball State chapter is run entirely by Ball State students. The goal of this camp is to offer a completely free summer camp to kids who are affected by a loved one’s cancer. The camp is offering a safe space for kids who are navigating uncertainty, a place for kids to connect with each other.
Clarissa Carrigan, the “Make the Magic” coordinator, proves just how much this camp means.
“When you are going through a parent’s cancer or, quite frankly, anyone’s cancer that you know or is in your family, it makes you feel alone and you do not feel alone when you are here,” Carrigan said.
The gala was hosted at the Carrigan House in Muncie. Parents, volunteers, and campers came out for a night of speeches, silent auctions, prizes, games, friendship bracelets, and songs that truly showed the heart of Camp Kesem.
“Even after the longest weeks or the hardest treatments that your family is going through, you come to one event, you come to camp for a week, and your total outlook on life is completely different,” Carrigan said.
“They feel a sense of love and empowerment and finally meet kids who know what they are going through because in those situations, you don't know anyone who knows what you are going through, especially if it’s your parent,” Co-Director Aspen Baumer stated.
The goal to be raised for the night was 8,000 dollars, and the ending result was 12,000. Make the Magic has genuinely shown how powerful a community can be.
Contact Mira Bloomer with comments at mira.bloomer@bsu.edu.