Fourteen years ago a young PSU student dealt with the unthinkable, the loss of her mom. Wanting to do something to keep her mom’s memory alive, she decided to organize to help families in our area dealing with the effects of cancer. Melissa Merrill, along with other PSU students and staff, founded KYMMA, Keeping You, Me & Memories Alive. Over these past fourteen years, the organization has been able to raise thousands of dollars enabling them to help hundreds of families!
KYMMA began in 1999 and the first five years worked in conjunction with the PSU Counseling Center. In 2003, they worked to become a separate entity and were incorporated in 2004 as a 501 (c) 3 organization based in Plymouth NH. All funds donated to the organization are tax deductible. One of those original incorporators is Board President, Kathryn Melanson.
Many of you may have seen Kathryn’s name in an email, or just around. She is the current Administrative Assistant for the Social Science Department at PSU. She has been with the department since 1995 and received the Distinguished Operating Staff Award in 2008. An active volunteer at the time, Kathryn lost her sister to a battle with cancer in 2002, which left her needing to be more involved. She is one of the original incorporators.
In an interview with current president, Kathryn Melanson, we discussed the goals and progress of KYMMA. When asked how much she was hoping to raise during this walk, Kathryn responded, “In the past we have raised upwards of $25,000. I am hoping to beat that.” With about 300 walkers this year, you can sense the hope and shared experience among the walkers and volunteers.
Some have lost parents, siblings, grandparents and friends, yet here they are walking and raising funds to help other families. When asked what was different about this organization from others who raise money for cancer, Kathryn answered, “All of the money stays local. With last year’s contributions, we were able to provide 56 gifts to families dealing with the effects of cancer.”
I probed deeper and asked what the gifts entailed. “The gifts can be anywhere from groceries, gas cards, heating oil, rent, utility bills. Our most recent request was to help a family with a wheelchair,” responded Kathryn.
Digging a little deeper, I found out that over the past three years, the organization has issued over 150 gifts to individuals and local families. As of 2012, the “Day to Fight Cancer” events have raised approximately $225,000. Not only do they help with the basics many take for granted, but they also provide textbook scholarships for students at PSU and local high school, PRHS who are affected by cancer.
The major fundraiser is during the “Day to Fight Cancer” event. “Day to Fight Cancer” is an annual event produced by Keeping You, Me And Memories Alive, Inc. Want to learn more or volunteer for the next event? Check them out: http://memoriesalive.org/index.html