Lily Hovey’s Inspiring Journey with Camp Kesem

In a world where five million children bear the weight of a parent’s battle with cancer, a silent struggle unfolds across the United States. The effects of a parent's diagnosis, or the cruel farewell it sometimes demands, can cast a veil of anxiety, emotional isolation, and despair over their young lives. However, amidst this storm, a beacon of hope emerges; an oasis that offers these children respite from the burden that a parent's cancer diagnosis carries.

Meet Lily Hovey, a junior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), whose journey with Camp Kesem began when she was just 13-years-old. Hovey’s path to Kesem was shaped by her mother’s challenging cancer diagnosis, as she searched for a sanctuary to release the emotional weight that came with it.

Camp Kesem is an unwavering haven passionately dedicated to the cause of ensuring no child embarks upon this challenging journey alone. Established in 2000, Camp Kesem provides support to children both during and after their parent's cancer treatment through a spectrum of engaging, enriching, and free creative programs, fostering a lasting and nurturing community that serves as a vital lifeline.

The camp bridges communities through its partnership with college students from all corners of the nation. The delivery of the free annual summer programs is managed by the college volunteers, who oversee nearly every aspect of their respective chapters. These students then receive invaluable training, guidance, and support, nurturing their leadership potential and offering them the chance to make a real impact on the lives of participants.

“I think the best part about going to Camp Kesem is just getting to be there, and forgetting everything about the outside world, the stuff that’s going on around you, and what you’re going through,” Hovey said. "You get to be there with people who are going through the same thing that you’re going through. You don’t have to talk about it unless you want to, but you know that everyone is there for you no matter what.”

Amidst the challenges Hovey faced in her personal life, Camp Kesem offered her an escape into the enchanting world of childhood, untethered by the pressures of the outside world. She found solace in the simplicity of camp life, where carefree moments were cherished above all else. Hovey fondly recalled one such memory, the "messy olympics," an event where food fights and paint-filled balloons reigned supreme. In the midst of the chaos, she discovered a taste of pure, unadulterated joy that has stayed with her ever since.

Upon her high school graduation, Hovey embarked on her journey as a student at UNO with a clear determination: to remain actively engaged with Kesem.

“I always knew that I wanted to continue getting involved with Kesem when I graduated high school. When I found that I could return as a counselor I immediately jumped on board,” Hovey said, “I love the Kesem community, they are like my second family, and I know that they will be there for me when I need anything. I also wanted to give back and make the returning and new campers and their families feel the same magic I experienced as a camper.”

Hovey's mission is to inspire her fellow UNO students to join the Camp Kesem adventure. Her dream is to see Camp Kesem become an official part of UNO, powered by a wave of passionate student support. For her though it’s more than just a wish, she sees it as an exciting possibility on the horizon.

“We've been very limited on counselors, especially after COVID-19, and I feel like opening the opportunity for anybody from UNO who wants to come and learn more about this would be great,” Hovey said, “But also if there are people from UNO who have gone through an experience of a family member or a friend having cancer, I feel like that would be another great opportunity for them as well to get involved with this.”

In the face of adversity, Camp Kesem stands as a powerful getaway providing children with the hope, support, and joy they deserve during the challenging journey of a parent's battle with cancer. Hovey's journey with Kesem, from a young camper seeking solace to a dedicated counselor and advocate at UNO exemplifies the profound impact of this remarkable organization.