Meet The Charity: Kesem At Stony Brook Helps Children Facing Parent's Cancer

STONY BROOK, NY — Local charities are the unsung heroes of our communities. Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations strive to create lasting change and positively impact the lives of those around them.

Some people start organizations as a way to cope with grief, some see an issue they want to tackle, and some want to bring lasting change. Sometimes, all those reasons apply.

Patch wants to highlight your local charity and connect it with community members who want to help and do good, so that way, more people can benefit. Here is just one of many charities doing terrific work in your community.

What is your name?

Dimitrios Bakatsias

What is the name of your charity?

Kesem at Stony Brook

What is your position within your charity?

Director

What community is your organization based in

Long Island

Link to your website

https://www.kesem.org/

What is your mission?

Kesem at Stony Brook University is a member of a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent's cancer by providing innovative, fun-filled programs that foster a lasting community.

What does your charity do to further its mission? Please list examples.

Kesem at Stony Brook University provides multiple services to children impacted by their parents' cancer on Long Island, NY and surrounding communities. Most notably, we have begun to offer our pilot program Kesem Gatherings - monthly in-person programs for children and families impacted by a parent's cancer to connect more frequently.

Throughout the year, Kesem at Stony Brook provides free programs and services that offer children impacted by a parent's cancer a continuum of support. These offerings help build social connections, develop positive coping skills, and foster resilience while supporting families as a whole. Our year-round support offers programs like Kesem Warm Welcome Program (welcome packages) and Kesem By Your Side (notes of support and encouragement) in addition to online resources.

What inspired you to start your charity?

Kesem at Stony Brook University was founded in 2013 by passionate college students who wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and families impacted by parental cancer. Hosting their first program, Camp Kesem, in the summer of 2014 to now Kesem at Stony Brook University has provided over 500 cumulative services to local children and families. These children continue to be the inspiration as we now ensure we serve all children impacted by a parent's cancer through our pilot programs.

How can people help you accomplish your organization's mission or get involved in events?

The community can support Kesem at Stony Brook University in a multitude of ways: They can advertise our resources to potential families, support us in our efforts through fundraising and donations, and going forward into the future, collaborate with us on our programs!

What is the most memorable moment you've had since starting your organization?

I think one of the best memories that I have had was at our Friends and Family Day event last spring. I was a volunteer coordinator, so I was in charge of getting our volunteers together and ready to go to meet our families. Getting to see all of that hard work culminate into a fantastic day was truly heartwarming!

What else would you like people to know about your charity?

What are your organization's social media pages or handles?

Instagram - kesemsbu
Facebook - Kesem at Stony Brook University

Do you help run a charity?

Nominate it here or share this link with someone who does.