ITHACA, N.Y. — For a second consecutive season, the Cornell men's hockey program has launched its "Big Red Blocks for Healing" campaign to help raise funds for Kesem and Kids with Courage Foundation.

Kesem, a national 501(c)(3) organization, provides year-round programs and services to support children, all at no cost to their families. One of the key offerings is a free one-week overnight summer camp for kids ages 6 to 18 who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis. The camp creates a fun and supportive atmosphere that allows children to temporarily escape the challenges of dealing with their parent's diagnosis.

The Kids with Courage Foundation supports children and young people battling Type 1 diabetes. As a registered 501(c)(3) charity, the foundation offers programming that empowers, educates, and creates positive outcomes in children's lives.

One of their key initiatives is the distribution of their "Brave Boxes" to children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. These boxes contain various tools, including books and supplies, designed to provide guidance and support for managing their diagnosis. The foundation also awards academic scholarships to students with Type 1 diabetes and provides caregiver education for families and school centers. They also offer a pen pal club that connects children with Type 1 diabetes, allowing them to share their experiences and support one another on their journey.

Senior defenseman Hank Kempf, one of 14 nominees for this year's Hockey Humanitarian Award, spearheads this year's campaign with the help of junior defenseman Jack O'Brien and sophomore forward Ryan Walsh. The entire Cornell men's hockey coaching staff also aided in organizing the fundraiser.

"With the impact our service project had on Kesem last year, we thought the addition of the Kids with Courage Foundation was a great way to diversify our support," the Big Red Blocks for Healing website states. "Both Kesem and Kids with Courage have specific programs towards assisting those affected, specifically children. As student-athletes, we pride ourselves on improving the next generation. When we were kids, it was the junior hockey and college athletes that inspired us to pursue our careers. Connecting the two organizations through the idea of helping kids was a key factor in this year's service project. 

"As a team, our goal is to block as many shots as possible this season to raise an ultimate sum of dollars to donate to Kesem and the Kids with Courage Foundation."

Fans are encouraged to join Cornell's team and pledge a determined dollar amount (minimum of $0.10) for each shot Cornell blocks throughout the 2024-25 season or can make a one-time donation as an alternative to the price-per-blocked shot.

As a reference, Cornell blocked 429 shots last season, which would have yielded a $42.90 donation for a 10-cent pledge. Through its first 17 games this season, Cornell has blocked 184 shots, averaging 10.82 blocked shots per game.

Cornell's goal is to raise over $30,000 — last year's total amount raised — for Kesem and Kids with Courage by the end of the 2024-25 season, which will then be split evenly between the two organizations.

Cornell returns to Lynah Rink this weekend for the first time since Dec. 6, when it hosts ECAC Hockey and Ivy League rivals Harvard and Dartmouth. Both contests are scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and over the airwaves on WHCU (870 AM, 97.7 FM, whcuradio.com).