There are more than 1.7 million cases of cancer a year in the United States resulting in more than three million kids affected by their parents’ having cancer. From August 3–5, 2015, over 140 affected kids throughout Missouri and surrounding states joined passionate, college-aged leaders at Camp Kesem, where they left all worries behind and focused on one thing – being a kid.
Chris Shea, an intern at JES Holdings in the asset management department, has been involved with Camp Kesem for two years and will lead as one of the directors of the camp next year. JES Holdings contributed to Camp Kesem as a corporate sponsor, donating more than $1,000.
“I am proud to work for a company that supports my passion for helping kids who have been affected by cancer,” Chris Shea said. “They were flexible with me taking time off and their donation helped 140 kids have a free week of fun.”
Each morning campers were greeted with a fun-filled day of activities including sports, pool time, zip-lining and a food-fight type game of Messy Olympics. At night everyone came together to share their experiences and stories, gaining emotional support from one another. For Chris Shea, the best part of being involved with Camp Kesem was hearing kids say it was the best week of their life because they could get away for a week and have no worries.
“I participate in Camp Kesem because I love kids and hate cancer,” Chris Shea said. “I want to be a role model as well as show the campers that no matter the situation, you should always have fun.”
