Brandon Rhyder will perform at Schozi's to benefit Camp Kesem

Texas country star Brandon Rhyder will perform Tuesday in a concert benefiting Camp Kesem, a summer camp devoted to showing support and love to children who have parents with cancer.

Camp Kesem was founded in 2007 by Amber Masso, Class of 2008. The topic of cancer and its effects on families was close to Masso's heart.

"I grew up with cancer in my family, and I have lost many friends and relatives over the years," Masso said. "A few years ago, I became a cancer survivor. I underwent treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma during 2005-2006, my sophomore year at A&M."

As a member of the Texas A&M Cancer Society, Masso stumbled across Camp Kesem during an Internet search for service opportunities for the society.

Camp Kesem started in California 10 years ago and spread to include more than 20 national counterparts in many states and college campuses, but at the time of Masso's search, Texas did not have a camp.

Masso said she was called to start a Camp Kesem organization at A&M; the camp is the only one of its kind in Texas.

"The mission of Camp Kesem is twofold," said Masso, a former co-chairwoman of Camp Kesem. "We aim to help families cope with cancer through relationships and support systems formed through our camp. We aim to mold college students into leaders by giving them the chance to shape every facet of the program."

The emphasis of the camp is to allow children whose family lives have been affected by cancer the chance to enjoy a week of a carefree childhood.

"It's a chance to teach them that life is going to be tough and that we may not always like the hands that we have been dealt, but you can always find a way to see the upside of life," said Kody Selzer, student support co-coordinator for the camp. "There should always be time to enjoy being a kid, even if it is only for a week."

Kesem is a weeklong summer camp open to children ages 6 to 13. These children have one or more parents who have or has had cancer. Activities include arts and crafts, drama, outdoor adventure and sports.

"The most important thing to know is that we are not a therapy camp," said Courtney Howes, administration and programming coordinator. "Our goal is to give the kids time away from the everyday things that come with having a sick family member. While we are there for them to talk to if needed, we also want the kids to have a good time while they are at camp."

In its third year of operation, Camp Kesem is expecting 40 to 45 campers this year, which has led to a fundraising goal of $40,000 for the year.

"Camp Kesem is 100 percent free for these families and campers since we understand that cancer has a tremendous emotional, psychological and financial impact for these families," said Aaron Rodriguez, co-chairman and junior psychology major. "We raise funds all year long to pay for this camp."

Fundraising projects for the camp include profit shares at businesses, previous concerts with StrawberryJAM and letter-writing parties in which members and officers write to families, friends and businesses asking for donations.

Those involved feel the fundraising and organizational efforts throughout the year are worth it when they get to spend one week interacting and supporting the children.

"Camp Kesem is an amazing organization that provides a fun-filled camp experience for children of cancer patients, a demographic that is often overlooked," Rodriguez said. "I have seen Camp Kesem help the families and children who are overcoming great adversity in their lives."

Even as they spend time helping the children and families, campers and officers of Camp Kesem stress they personally learn and take away just as much from the week.

"These kids have more strength and courage than most adults I know," Selzer said. "And still, they have this glorious spirit that will always bring a smile to your face. The life-altering experience we have all had working with these kids is something I wish everyone could be a part of."

"Camp Kesem isn't an ordinary camp or organization," said Monica Gonzales, co-chairwoman and junior psychology major. "The children that we come in contact with have their lives changed. We provide a support system for both the parents and children. These families become part of our Kesem family as well as our Aggie family."

The idea of family and a support system is something that is stressed throughout the week of the camp, and a theme Camp Kesem hopes will draw continued support from Aggie students.

"I've seen what cancer is capable of, but I've also seen what Aggies can do to help families fight its effects," Masso said. "We hope that our Aggie family will support our efforts to help these children — who are experiencing something truly painful and terrifying — remember what it is like to just be kids."

Donate to the cause
Brandon Rhyder will perform at 11 p.m Tuesday at Schotzi's on Northgate. Opening for Rhyder is Clayton Gardner, who will perform at 9:30. Tickets can be purchased  for $10 at Cavender's, Traditions Bookstores or through any Camp Kesem member. Tickets will also be available for $15 at the door.