Camp Kesem and the Cancer Community
May 12, 2021
Hosted by Michelle Beck
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
In this show we will be talking about Camp Kesem and what it does for families effected by cancer. Cole Jensen, the Outreach Coordinator for Camp Kesem at the University of Oregon, will be on to give us insight into Kesem, the programs they provide, and the effect the organization has on both students and families who are dealing with cancer. It will be a wide ranging conversation about all things to do with Kesem. Kesem is a nationwide student run organization that serves children whose parents have been affected by cancer. The flag ship program, Camp Kesem, is a week-long summer camp created to give kids relief and joy in the midst of their struggles with a parent’s cancer. The camp is full of games, songs, and allows kids to build community with other kids going through similar experiences. Though all kids who are at camp have parents who have or once had cancer, the main goal of camp is not to focus on the cancer, but instead focus on all the wonderful and happy things that can happen despite it. Camp Kesem is a place unlike any other and provides an experience for kids going through an unfairly difficult time that they could not find anywhere else.
Breast Friends Cancer Support Network
Wednesday at 9 AM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
Breast Friends helps women and families deal with the emotional upheaval of cancer. Breast Friends Cancer Support Network is here to remind those dealing with a diagnosis of cancer that they are not alone. We get it. Our show focuses on education, inspiration and hope, by offering useful information to survivors, thrivers, friends and family. While interviewing a variety of guest speakers, including doctors, nutritionists, sex therapists, counselors, comedians and entrepreneurs to name a few, host Michelle Beck asks pertinet questions, highlighting unique perspectives and providing helpful information every week. Breast Friends Cancer Support Network can be heard live every Wednesday at 9 AM Pacific Time on the VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel.
Michelle Beck
Michelle is a 2-time, 9-year survivor of breast cancer. In 2017, she began volunteering at Breast Friends of Oregon, and in the process found support, encouragement and a tribe of women who understood exactly what it is like to hear the words “you have cancer.” This changed her life forever.
Michelle’s early career was spent as a paralegal and then as a C-Level Executive Assistant for entrepreneurs and start-ups. Organization and details are her jam; everything has its place and “rules” are to be followed. But, after becoming a stay-at-home parent and two breast cancer battles, all her rules went out the window!
Her second cancer journey led Michelle to a new career path at Breast Friends. In early 2019, she was hired as the Patient Programs Assistant where she made herself indispensable. She is now embracing the opportunity to host the Breast Friends Cancer Support Network.
Michelle is a fierce breast cancer advocate. She is working on a book to tell her story and loves to speak to audiences about how to move forward in the face of life’s trials. Her blog, “I Never Liked Pink” allows her the platform to, as she says, “overshare” the things she’s discovered on life’s journey. The good, the bad and the “What the F??” Michelle enjoys exploring with her husband Nate, son Jackson and 2 dogs in their travel trailer She loves reading books, watching movies and is obsessed with true crime and paranormal podcasts.
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