Kelly Hayes (left) and Brenna Sealy (right) in the “Messy Olympics” during a session of the Camp Kesem summer camp. Kelly Hayes, Photo Provided
LIFESTYLES

Ball State’s branch of Camp Kesem supports children who have been affected by their parent’s cancer through a free weekend of fun and encouragement

Kelly Hayes, second-year creative writing major at Ball State University, grew up in a home where she said all anyone talked about was cancer. “All you ever think about is that your parent is sick, and that takes up your whole life,” Hayes said Her mother was diagnosed with cancer, and when Hayes was 16 years old, her mother died from it. Two years later, Hayes was introduced to Camp Kesem, an annual summer camp for 6 to 18-year-olds. “My mom had died two years ago at that point, so it was still fresh,” Hayes said. “I saw the [Camp Kesem] banner and mission, and I said, ‘Isn’t that amazing?’ I wish I had something like that as a kid. I wanted to help.” 



NEWS

The food giver

“Food is like the love language of the world. No matter what culture or language you speak you can still come together and enjoy one common thing, food. I want to give as much as I can away because I know I can make a lot of smiles happen.”




Brian Carless (Right) rolls up his sleeves to join Jeff Brubaker (Left) mix the soil for Sparky's Corner Greenhouse on Feb. 24 in Muncie, Ind. Ella Howell, DN
LIFESTYLES

Buying local produce gives back to the community, and in some instances, is cheaper than alternatives

The original building that housed Sparky’s Corner Greenhouse was relatively small, but now it’s an expanded building in vibrant shades of pink, green and yellow. Inside, there are various hues of green stretching from floor to ceiling for Muncie residents to choose from. Sparky’s Corner Greenhouse aims to better the community by making affordable plants and produce accessible while working against inflation. Brian Carless is a co-owner and became comfortable in Muncie through his work in the Avondale Community Garden. 







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