Hello Friends and Family!
To start off, I wanted to thank each and every person who has donated to me the past year and allowing these kids to experience the magic of camp! Every contribution I receive, whether little or great goes towards a cause that I'm extremely passionate about and camp would not be possible without everyone's generous donations each year.
As a reminder, Camp Kesem is a completely student led non-profit organization here at the University of Texas that supports children affected by a parent's cancer. One of the ways Camp Kesem provides support is through a week-long, overnight summer camp where these kids can escape the real world and just be kids. We not only provide our kids with two weeks of free summer camp but also provide them with year-round support so that we maintain our connections outside the summer.
Coming into UT my freshmen year, I wasn't sure I was going to find any organization that I would enjoy and seeing myself being committed to in my four years here; that is until I found Camp Kesem. The first info session I attended, I finally felt like I was home and that I found the people I'd call family for the rest of my years in college. Every student in this organization showed me what unconditional love is and that completely changed my outlook on life, especially after camp. I had the privilege of being a counselor for red unit, which is with kids from 6-8 years old, and I can't lie, it was tough at first but after one day I fell in love with each and every camper every hour of the day. The things they go through at home with their loved one's cancer is something no child should ever go through and hearing their stories exhibited to me what true strength is. I look up to these kids each and every day and hearing their stories inspire me to do everything in my power to make sure they are smiling not only each and every hour at camp, but also wherever they may be.
This year, my goal is to raise $1000 and contribute to our chapter's goal of $215,000. Our ultimate goal is to serve 265 kids this year and reach out to families we haven't been able to before so that they also can experience the magic of camp. Every dollar goes a long way in helping these kids and even if you are unable help financially, sharing my page around with others would be great in helping these kids get to camp!
Camp love and more,
Nick "Sriracha" Nguyen
