Visit my fundraising page here: https://campkesem.givebig.org/c/CK13/a/campkesem-natl1/p/vergess

I was 12 when he was diagnosed- Stage 4, and the lack of understanding we have of the disease and its often rapid and mysterious progression mirrored my 12 year-old mind’s confusion of what this thing was and why it was happening to my dad. Cancer did not make my dad a fighter- like every individual who faces it, he was a hero and had been long before any disease defined or illuminated that. My dad, a surgeon himself, was the definition of hard work and determination, but never sacrificed compassion or integrity in reaching his goals. He was a marathon runner whose endurance and dedication, in running and life, was nothing less than inspiring. And after a year-long battle, just before he passed away, he told me to do whatever it was that I was passionate about and to never let anyone else dictate my limits. This year the Los Angeles Marathon happens to fall in March of 2015, marking 9 years since he passed, and nothing seems more fitting than to honor my father and the strength of his character than by running this race.

I will be running on behalf of Camp Kesem, a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. For four years at UC Berkeley I gave my time and my heart to this organization that served a group that was often overlooked. I was forever changed by that community of kids and teenagers wise beyond their years, their unbelievably strong and inspiring families, and other counselors who unconditionally loved and supported me. As with loss, my heart still aches having graduated and left my family at Camp Kesem Berkeley. As with loss, I cling to the memories of every camper with nothing on their mind but the pure joy of reaching the top of the rock climbing wall, a place that provides the comfort and the confidence to be the best version of ourselves, and each rendition of “Lean on Me” that closed a week of camp and reminded us of the connection we had through Kesem. But as with loss, Camp Kesem will always be a part of me and my life- I carry every camper and their story with me and I owe it everything for making me the leader and the stronger woman that I left as. And as with loss, I find new ways to keep Camp Kesem a part of my life.

There are currently more than 3 million kids affected by a parent’s cancer, and since its start in 2000, Camp Kesem has served over 11,000 of these children through 6,500 student leaders. This summer, 54 chapters will head off to learn that Camp Kesem is many things: it is adventure, new friends, and new experiences. But more than that, it is an inexplicable joy and passion that comes from a common bond that our campers share. It is a place of growth and confidence. It is a source of strength and hope. It comes from a need that changed my life nine years ago, but today, with every camper, their family, and their story, Camp Kesem has drawn my heart closer to its cause. It is an honor to be running this March to support them.

Thank you with all of my heart to all of you who have been a part of my journey. Some of you knew my father and some were a part of my healing, some were a part of my Camp Kesem family and some have donated in the past, some have supported me in my love for running, and all of you have helped me become who I am today, for which I know my dad would be endlessly grateful. Any support you can provide -whether it’s giving, learning more on our website www.campkesem.org, sharing my story with friends and family, or inquiring about other ways that you can help- is so appreciated.

With Love & Gratitude,
Bre