To Our UKANDU Community,
I am reaching out to share updates on our UKANDU programming. As you know, we made the decision to shift all traditional, in-person programming in 2020 to the virtual environment. Our mission is to bring joy, hope and connection to communities battling childhood and adolescent cancer. Our commitment to this mission remains steadfast. Though we were saddened by not connecting in person this year, we were heartened to find new ways to bring our community together. UKANDU virtual programs resulted in more than 750 engagements in 2020 and reached new families around the country! The staff and volunteers are planning even more opportunities for our families to connect in 2021.
Recent news about COVID vaccines brings us hope, but there is a lot we still do not know. We will look to national public health experts and our UKANDU Medical Director to help us understand when it will be safe to bring back in-person programming. As more information becomes available, we will provide additional updates. And even after we are able to gather in person again, we will continue to offer opportunities to connect virtually.
Silver linings are sometimes hard to see and too often still leave us unfulfilled. But it is times like these where we can really show our “You Can Do!” spirit and that’s what we’re going to do… that’s what we’ve always done at UKANDU.
One more time, to our community, thank you for your support. Some of you are donors and some of you are corporate sponsors. Some of you are parents who share their children with us and some of you will have attended camp over the last three decades. Some of you are the more than 100 volunteers who take a week away from work, from vacation, and from family. UKANDU would not exist without all of you doing what you do. What we do together is special. What we do is everything we can to ensure each of our campers enjoys the “gift of childhood”.
As we continue to navigate unprecedented and confusing times, please remember your own “You Can Do” spirit. Be good to yourselves, be good to others, and stay safe.
Warmly,
Jason Hickox – Executive Director
Our Proud History
Planning for Camp UKANDU began in 1985 when a small group of Candlelighters parents decided, despite their children’s illness, they wanted them to be able to go to camp like every other kid. Thanks to an initial grant by the Fred Meyer Charitable Trust, 48 campers brought to life the first Camp UKANDU on August 10, 1986 at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp. In 1988, many of UKANDU’s special traditions began, including the dance, sleeping in teepees, and Memory Circle – where we honor those campers who have passed. That year, the all-volunteer staff took 90 campers from Mt. Hood to Camp Yamhill, and then in 1989, the UKANDU volunteer board of directors began a long-standing relationship with the American Cancer Society. Just one year later, in 1990, the number of campers attending Camp UKANDU increased to 132.
In 1996, our 10th year was marked by another move...
and Camp UKANDU was held at Camp Magruder, on the Oregon coast near Tillamook. The Counselor in Training (CIT) program also began this year, to provide an avenue of leadership development for former campers between the ages of 19 and 21. The success of this program (now known as LIT – Leaders in Training) is largely responsible for an average of 25% of our 100+ volunteers each year, and is made up of former campers. This incredible experience and perspective provides our staff tremendous insight into what our population of campers is going through and, of equal importance, provides our campers with inspirational role models.
In 2002, the board and volunteer staff worked extremely hard to earn accreditation by the American Camping Association, a notable distinction we maintain to this day.
In the fall of 2009 we implemented our first Teen Retreat at YMCA Camp Collins. Based in part on the success of the experience at that first retreat, we moved our Camp in the summer of 2009 to that location near Oxbow Park and camp has been there every summer since. Along with this new location, camp received new programming, including a high ropes challenge course, archery, horseback riding, and rock climbing on a 70 ft. tower, along with our traditional programs, such as art, weaving, science, games and more.
In 2013, the American Cancer Society altered their mission and redirected their resources to focus exclusively on developing a cure for cancer. While we at UKANDU applaud this effort and hope they are successful, this change meant Camp UKANDU would be forced to shut down, or rush to establish our own infrastructure. Many volunteers and community members were determined to ensure children and families facing the rigors of childhood cancer would be able to enjoy a place where outrageous fun would continue into the future and we established Camp UKANDU as an independent 501(c)(3) organization.
2016 marked our 30th anniversary and we took another big step by hiring our first Executive Director. Working with an expanding board of directors, over the next four years, the staff of UKANDU had grown from one individual to three full-time employees, including another first – a full-time Program Director. Adding expertise and resources allowed us to add four new programs to our list of offerings: Camp UKANDU; an expanded UKANDU Teen Retreat; UKANDU Family Camp and; The UKANDU Family Reunion. Offering programs beyond Camp UKANDU led to a formal name change for the organization in 2018 to UKANDU.
As COVID-19 wrought havoc and changed the world around us in 2020, we made the only responsible decision and for the first time in 35 years, we did not hold Camp UKANDU. Heartbroken, but undeterred, we remained committed to our mission. In just nine short weeks, the staff conceived, designed and implemented our fifth program, UKANDU Virtual Camp, with an entire week of familiar and not-so-familiar camp activities for our families. While two-dimensional programming is not the same as meeting in person, we showed that community and connection is still possible for our UKANDU family – and perhaps more important than ever. Live morning ‘newscasts’; live nightly campfires and singalongs; and dance parties were accompanied by a full week of arts and crafts; outdoor adventure; nutritional cooking instruction; and most importantly, opportunities for members of this unique community to connect once again as a group.
Despite the challenges of 2020, we found new ways to serve families impacted by childhood and adolescent cancer. The addition of virtual programming to our lineup allowed us to serve families across the country. Along with our friends from the Pacific Northwest, we were joined by families from Virginia, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas and California. As virtual programming becomes a permanent offering, we look forward to serving more families across the country – and maybe even beyond!
As 2020 came to an end, UKANDU was thrilled to learn we had been awarded a very prestigious grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. This amazing honor helps to fund the hiring of our first Development Director. With the addition of a highly-skilled professional, UKANDU is poised to emerge from the challenges of 2020 stronger than ever and serving even more families into the future.
We are so proud that we have been providing hope and joy to this amazing group of deserving children and their families. And with your help, we will continue to do so for years to come.
Videos
Leadership
UKANDU is a volunteer-driven organization. More than 100 adults give of their time and talents every summer to create a week of outrageous fun for the children and families of UKANDU.
UKANDU Employees
Born and raised in Portland, prior to becoming the new Executive Director for UKANDU, Jason was most recently a business development and government relations consultant, living in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. In his consulting roles, Jason has served clients in the US, Africa and Asia, interfacing with business executives and officials at the highest levels of government. Jason joined Camp Ukandu as a counselor in 1988. Camp Ukandu became a formative influence in his life and he has attended camp every summer since 1988. Jason has served as counselor, lead counselor, and head counselor, as well as two different stints as a member of the board of directors. As UKANDU launches a new phase as an autonomous 501(c)(3), Jason is excited to be back home and hopes to combine his breadth of personal and professional experiences with his deep and passionate commitment to camp and relishes the opportunity to work with the board and other volunteers to grow the outreach and impact of Camp Ukandu in our community.
Born and raised in Portland, prior to becoming the new Executive Director for camp in September of 2016, Jason was a business development and government relations consultant, living in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. In his consulting roles, Jason has served clients in the U.S., Africa, and Asia, interfacing with business executives and officials at the highest levels of government. Jason joined Camp Ukandu as a counselor in 1988. Camp Ukandu became a formative influence in his life and he has attended camp every summer since 1988. Jason has served as a counselor, lead counselor, and head counselor as well as two different stints as a member of the board of directors. As Ukandu launches a new phase, Jason is excited to be back home and hopes to combine his breadth of personal and professional experiences with his deep and passionate commitment to our families and relishes the opportunity to work with the staff, the board, and other volunteers to grow the outreach and impact of Ukandu in our community.
Executive Director
Kendra graduated from Simpson College with a BA in Youth Ministry and a Minor in Bible. While in college her summers were spent working at Westminster Woods summer camp. She lived there for 4 summers working in the kitchen, counseling, and as a lead counselor. After graduating college, she went to work for Valley Community Presbyterian Church as their High School Youth Director. After staying home with her two children for seven years, she started working for a local candle company and was with them for 7 years. Kendra started working with UKANDU in January 2020. She is very excited for this opportunity to serve this wonderful organization.
Kendra graduated from Simpson College with a BA in Youth Ministry and a Minor in Bible. While in college her summers were spent working at Westminster Woods summer camp. She lived there for 4 summers working in the kitchen, counseling, and as a lead counselor. After graduating College, she went to work for Valley Community Presbyterian Church as their H.S. Youth Director. She then went on to stay home with her two kids for 7 yrs. She then started working for a local candle company for 7 yrs. Then started in January of this year for Ukandu. She is very excited for this opportunity to serve this wonderful organization.
Program Director
Sage is a Portland native with a passion for using strategic communications to foster community and positive change. Prior to her role with UKANDU, she was the Communications Manager for local non-profit Pioneer Courthouse Square, Inc. With a heart for service and volunteering, She has dedicated countless hours of volunteer work with local schools and most recently took on a volunteer leadership role with Vote Save America, a non-partisan group working to expanding voting access. Sage graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelors in Public Relations in 2019 and is excited to help bring hope, joy, and connection to the UKANDU community.
Sage is a Portland native with a passion for using strategic communications to foster community and positive change. Prior to her role with UKANDU, she was the Communications Manager for local non-profit Pioneer Courthouse Square, Inc. With a heart for service and volunteering, she has dedicated countless hours of volunteer work with local schools and most recently took on a volunteer leadership role with Vote Save America, a non-partisan group working to expanding voting access. Sage graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelors in Public Relations in 2019 and is excited to help bring hope, joy, and connection to the UKANDU community.
Development Coordinator
Board of Directors
Our board is comprised of impassioned leaders with diverse skills and experiences committed to the mission of providing hope, joy, and connection to the families of UKANDU.
Mark McGraw is retired from a career that spanned such diverse experiences as an employee at McGraw Hill Publishing, to an EMT, and as a manager in avalanche-control and rescue work for the Mt. Hood Meadows Professional Ski Patrol. In addition to joining the board of directors in 2018, Mark has brought his experience and passion for the outdoors to UKANDU as a volunteer since 2002. Mark is a humble but confident leader who's professional wilderness experience provides complementary resources to the volunteer medical professionals who help make UKANDU a safe place for children battling cancer to enjoy the outdoors. Mark and his wife Nancy - who is also a long-time volunteer - spend their time between homes in Hood River, OR and Scottsdale, AZ. As an avid golfer and outdoorsman, when Mark is not on the course, he can be found riding one of his 15 bikes or working on one of several classic and antique bicycle restoration projects.
Mark McGraw is retired from a career that spanned such diverse experiences as an employee at McGraw Hill Publishing, to an EMT, and as a manager in avalanche-control and rescue work for the Mt. Hood Meadows Professional Ski Patrol. In addition to joining the board of directors in 2018, Mark has brought his experience and passion for the outdoors to UKANDU as a volunteer since 2002. Mark is a humble but confident leader who's professional wilderness experience provides complementary resources to the volunteer medical professionals who help make UKANDU a safe place for children battling cancer to enjoy the outdoors. Mark and his wife Nancy - who is also a long-time volunteer - spend their time between homes in Hood River, OR and Scottsdale, AZ. As an avid golfer and outdoorsman, when Mark is not on the course, he can be found riding one of his 15 bikes or working on one of several classic and antique bicycle restoration projects.
Chair
Chris is a native Oregonian, having grown up in southeast Portland and Milwaukie. When he isn't working as a Mortgage Advisor with Associated Mortgage Brokers he is enjoying time with his beautiful wife Colleen and their baby girl Adeline.As a former youth basketball coach of 10 years with MMYBA he has a passion for helping children gain confidence in themselves and strive to reach their fullest potential. He has been sharing that passion with our campers since 2015 as volunteer counselor for Camp UKANDU and hopes to help them remember what it means to 'just be a kid' and have fun. Joining the board of directors in 2019, Chris is excited to help lead the next generation of support for UKANDU in our community and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an organization that means so much to him, personally, and to his family.
Chris is a native Oregonian, having grown up in southeast Portland and Milwaukie. When he isn't working as a Mortgage Advisor with Associated Mortgage Brokers he is enjoying time with his beautiful wife Colleen and their baby girl Adeline.As a former youth basketball coach of 10 years with MMYBA he has a passion for helping children gain confidence in themselves and strive to reach their fullest potential. He has been sharing that passion with our campers since 2015 as volunteer counselor for Camp UKANDU and hopes to help them remember what it means to 'just be a kid' and have fun. Joining the board of directors in 2019, Chris is excited to help lead the next generation of support for UKANDU in our community and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an organization that means so much to him, personally, and to his family.
Vice Chair
Julie Desimone is a business assurance partner and national practice leader for the Energy and Utility National Practice at Moss Adams LLP. Julie graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts, Accounting in 2000 and since that time has been working in public accounting and serving utility entities. In addition to being a licensed certified public accountant, Julie is a 2014 recipient of the Portland Business Journal’s “40 under 40” award, has recently been appointed to serve on the Moss Adams Assurance Services Committee, is a member of the Washington State University Business Advisory Board, serves as an AICPA peer reviewer, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants. Julie is passionate about giving back to the community and proudly supports such causes as Build-On, World Vision, and Camp UKANDU. Julie hopes that her business and accounting skill set will help Camp UKANDU grow and provide even more outrageously fun life experiences for kids who deserve to be kids. Julie lives in Vancouver, Washington, and is married with two children. She enjoys traveling, golfing, reading, and spending time with her family.
Julie Desimone is a business assurance partner and national practice leader for the Energy and Utility National Practice at Moss Adams LLP. Julie graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts, Accounting in 2000 and since that time has been working in public accounting and serving utility entities. In addition to being a licensed certified public accountant, Julie is a 2014 recipient of the Portland Business Journal’s “40 under 40” award, has recently been appointed to serve on the Moss Adams Assurance Services Committee, is a member of the Washington State University Business Advisory Board, serves as an AICPA peer reviewer, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants. Julie is passionate about giving back to the community and proudly supports such causes as Build-On, World Vision, and Camp UKANDU. Julie hopes that her business and accounting skill set will help Camp UKANDU grow and provide even more outrageously fun life experiences for kids who deserve to be kids. Julie lives in Vancouver, Washington, and is married with two children. She enjoys traveling, golfing, reading, and spending time with her family.
Board Treasurer
Kay Yancey was born in Ashland, Oregon, and graduated summa cum laude from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She spent the next 32 years in a career that was her passion, teaching primary aged children. She served as Head Teacher and was a member of the Site Council, PBS Committee, and Social Committee, as well as helping to develop curriculum during the course of her career. After retiring in 2011, Kay became involved with UKANDU. In 2012 she was a volunteer assistant to the director. In 2013 she joined the Camp staff as a counselor, where she quickly learned of the immense value of Camp to the kids who attend. Her love of children, along with the remarkable nature of the campers at UKANDU, inspired her to give more. As a member of the fundraising committee, she has helped lead and organize an annual fundraiser that has generated significant and vital resources for our program. She has also assumed a lead role in grant writing efforts for camp, securing additional funds to support the organization. She continues to use her skills to ensure Camp UKANDU’s growth, enabling more opportunities for children living with cancer. In addition to serving with UKANDU, Kay has volunteered with other organizations: The Oregon Food Bank, Children’s Cancer Association, The Children’s Center, and Girls on the Run.
Kay Yancey was born in Ashland, Oregon, and graduated summa cum laude from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, with a degree in Elementary Education. She spent the next 32 years in a career that was her passion, teaching primary aged children. She served as Head Teacher and was a member of the Site Council, PBS Committee, and Social Committee, as well as helping to develop curriculum during the course of her career. After retiring in 2011, Kay became involved with Camp UKANDU. In 2012 she was a volunteer assistant to the director. In 2013 she joined the Camp staff as a counselor, where she quickly learned of the immense value of Camp to the kids who attend. Her love of children, along with the remarkable nature of the campers at UKANDU, inspired her to give more. As a member of the fundraising committee, she has helped lead and organize an annual fundraiser that has generated significant and vital resources for our program. She has also assumed a lead role in grant writing efforts for camp, securing additional funds to support the organization. She continues to use her skills to ensure Camp UKANDU’s growth, enabling more opportunities for children living with cancer. In addition to serving with Camp UKANDU, Kay has volunteered with other organizations: The Oregon Food Bank, Children’s Cancer Association, The Children’s Center, and Girls on the Run.
Board Secretary
Ted is the president of Advanced Wealth Management, a local wealth management and financial planning firm. A native Oregonian, Ted grew up in the Portland area and graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities. He later went on to earn an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from the University of Portland. He is very involved in the financial planning community, and he has served as both the President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Financial Planning Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington. Ted has also served as a Subject Matter Expert for the CFP® Board of Standards, working with an elite group of other CFP® professionals to write test questions and improve the CFP® exam. He is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Portland, and has been named as one of Top 500 Millennial Advisors by Forbes magazine. Giving back has always been a core value of his, and he is active in several local nonprofit groups and associations. For him personally, outdoor experiences and adventures have been integral in shaping his worldview. With that in mind he was excited to join the board of UKANDU in 2017. His mission on the board is to help ensure that kids affected by cancer have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor adventures. Outside of the office, Ted loves to explore the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest at every opportunity. He and his family also love to travel and are avid soccer fans.
Ted is the president of Advanced Wealth Management, a local wealth management and financial planning firm. A native Oregonian, Ted grew up in the Portland area and graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities. He later went on to earn an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from the University of Portland. He is very involved in the financial planning community, and he has served as both the President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Financial Planning Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington. Ted has also served as a Subject Matter Expert for the CFP® Board of Standards, working with an elite group of other CFP® professionals to write test questions and improve the CFP® exam. He is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Portland, and has been named as one of Top 500 Millennial Advisors by Forbes magazine. Giving back has always been a core value of his, and he is active in several local non-profit groups and associations. For him personally, outdoor experiences and adventures have been integral in shaping his worldview. With that in mind he was excited to join the board of Camp Ukandu in 2017. His mission on the board is to help ensure that kids affected by cancer have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor adventures. Outside of the office, Ted loves to explore the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest at every opportunity. He and his family also love to travel and are avid soccer fans.
Director
Christina grew up in the San Francisco Bay area where she attended public schools and community college before enlisting in the Air Force as a Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian linguist. During her decade in the military, Christina served as an intelligence operator in Maryland and Texas and taught B/C/S in California at the Defense Language Institute, an experience that helped her find her passion in education. After separating from the Air Force, she redirected her efforts to public education, earning a M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision while working for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools system in Korea and volunteering as Scholarship Director for a local nonprofit organization. Christina continued working for local organizations in various education-related and leadership roles during her family’s time in Germany, where she also had the opportunity to homeschool their middle schoolers while their elementary-aged children entered into the German public school system. After 20+ years of moving where the government directed, including four years in Asia and four years in Europe, Christina and her husband chose Portland to finish raising their four amazing kids. She worked first for Portland Public Schools before moving back to nonprofit at a local university foundation. Christina is the National Development Manager for Stand. She supports the execution of fundraising strategies for the VP of Development and their 11 state affiliates. She is incredibly excited to bring her diverse educational experiences to UKANDU bringing hope, joy, and connection to communities impacted by childhood and adolescent cancer.
Christina is the National Development Manager for Stand. She supports the execution of fundraising strategies for the VP of Development and our 11 state affiliates. Christina grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where she attended public schools and community college before enlisting in the Air Force as a Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian linguist. During her decade in the military, Christina served as an intelligence operator in Maryland and Texas and taught B/C/S in California at the Defense Language Institute, an experience which helped her find her passion in education. After separating from the Air Force, she redirected her efforts to public education, earning a M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision while working for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools system in Korea and volunteering as Scholarship Director for a local nonprofit organization. Christina continued working for local organizations in various education-related and leadership roles during her family’s time in Germany, where she also had the opportunity to homeschool their middle schoolers while their elementary-aged children entered into the German public school system. After 20+ years of moving where the government directed, including four years in Asia and four years in Europe, Christina and her husband chose Portland to finish raising their four amazing kids. She worked first for Portland Public Schools before moving back to nonprofit at a local university foundation. She is incredibly excited to bring her diverse cultural and educational experiences to help advance Stand’s mission of ensuring education success for all.
Director
Cecil comes to UKANDU with over 20 years of health care public policy experience. He currently serves as Vice President of Government Affairs and Senior Counsel for VSP Global. In this capacity, Cecil leads VSP’s government affairs efforts, working with decision-makers at the Federal, state, and local levels to forward the company’s public policy agenda. Prior to joining VSP, Cecil worked on Capitol Hill for a decade for three different U.S. Senators. While focusing on Congressional oversight and investigative matters, his portfolio on the Hill included Medicare, Medicaid, retirement income and consumer protection issues related to our nation’s seniors.
Cecil was drawn to UKANDU by its mission of providing hope and joy to children and their families who are impacted by cancer. Having lost his own mother to cancer, he intimately understands the challenges and opportunities cancer presents to those battling it and the loved ones who stand by their sides. He hopes to utilize his background in health care, relationship development and advocacy to support and grow the programs and services UKANDU provides.
Cecil holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Michigan, a M.P.H. focused on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention from the George Washington University and earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Cecil lives just outside of Washington, DC with his wife and two sons and in his free time enjoys spending time with family and friends and every now and then swinging a golf club or two.
Cecil comes to UKANDU with over 20 years of health care public policy experience. He currently serves as Vice President of Government Affairs and Senior Counsel for VSP Global. In this capacity, Cecil leads VSP’s government affairs efforts, working with decisionmakers at the Federal, state and local levels to forward the company’s public policy agenda. Prior to joining VSP, Cecil worked on Capitol Hill for a decade for three different U.S. Senators. While focusing on Congressional oversight and investigative matters, his portfolio on the Hill included Medicare, Medicaid, retirement income and consumer protection issues related to our nation’s seniors.
Cecil was drawn to UKANDU by its mission of providing hope and joy to children and their families who are impacted by cancer. Having lost his own mother to cancer, he intimately understands the challenges and opportunities cancer presents to those battling it and the loved ones who stand by their sides. He hopes to utilize his background in health care, relationship development and advocacy to support and grow the programs and services UKANDU provides.
Cecil holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Michigan, a M.P.H. focused on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention from the George Washington University and earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Cecil lives just outside of Washington, DC with his wife and two sons and in his free time enjoys spending time with family and friends and every now and then swinging a golf club or two.
Director
Brandon has spent his career proving that advertising means nothing if it can’t make a lasting impact on culture. Like any visionary, he learned the rules before he broke them. Brandon worked on some of the world’s most iconic brands; Absolut Vodka, McDonalds, PlayStation, Heineken, Coke Zero and then helmed as Global Creative Director of Samsung. He then became the Managing CCO and CEO of Kastner North America. While also driving other entrepreneurial triumphs as co-founder and CCO of SNKR INC. and founder and CCO of Fluent – a venture-building innovation studio with the cultural impact of a lifestyle brand. Brandon was born and grew up in Europe and the Middle East where he learned that people have way more in common than we will ever have different. Seeing the world through the eyes of a “Third Culture” kid, he and his wife loves nothing more than showing their daughter the wonderful places and people that make up this third rock from the sun.
Brandon has spent his career proving that advertising means nothing if it can’t make a lasting impact on culture. Like any visionary, he learned the rules before he broke them. Brandon worked on some of the world’s most iconic brands; Absolut Vodka, McDonalds, PlayStation, Heineken, Coke Zero and then helmed as Global Creative Director of Samsung. He then became the Managing CCO and CEO of Kastner North America. While also driving other entrepreneurial triumphs as co-founder and CCO of SNKR INC. and founder and CCO of Fluent – a venture-building innovation studio with the cultural impact of a lifestyle brand. Brandon was born and grew up in Europe and the Middle East where he learned that people have way more in common than we will ever have different. Seeing the world through the eyes of a “Third Culture” kid, he and his wife loves nothing more than showing their daughter the wonderful places and people that make up this third rock from the sun.
Director
Lisa comes to Ukandu as a parent of a camper. Her teenage daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer in the fall of 2018. After eight months of doctors, MRI’s, radiation treatments, chemotherapy and two brain surgeries, Camp Ukandu gave Lisa and her family a break and a moment to catch their breath. The impact of a week at camp was so profound that when Ukandu sent out a request for ambassadors, she immediately signed up. Public speaking has always been a part of her professional life, first as a trial attorney and then as a community volunteer. Educated at the University of Oregon in Rhetoric/Communications and at the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, Lisa first practiced law in Oregon as a trial attorney and then later in Massachusetts both as a trial attorney and manager for the Department of Revenue. Wanting to return to the west coast, she became a licensed attorney in California but ultimately came home to Oregon. After starting a family, she turned her attention to volunteering in her local community by helping to raise money for teachers, campaigning for school bonds and state legislative measures that help fund schools, and serving as parent-teacher association president. Lisa hopes to make a valuable contribution by combining her experience as a parent of a camper with her ability to tell Ukandu’s story.
Lisa comes to Ukandu as a parent of a camper. Her teenage daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer in the fall of 2018. After eight months of doctors, MRI’s, radiation treatments, chemotherapy and two brain surgeries, Camp Ukandu gave Lisa and her family a break and a moment to catch their breath. The impact of a week at camp was so profound that when Ukandu sent out a request for ambassadors, she immediately signed up. Public speaking has always been a part of her professional life, first as a trial attorney and then as a community volunteer. Educated at the University of Oregon in Rhetoric/Communications and at the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, Lisa first practiced law in Oregon as a trial attorney and then later in Massachusetts both as a trial attorney and manager for the Department of Revenue. Wanting to return to the west coast, she became a licensed attorney in California, but ultimately came home to Oregon. After starting a family, she turned her attention to volunteering in her local community by helping to raise money for teachers, campaigning for school bonds and state legislative measures that help fund schools, and serving as parent teacher association president. Lisa hopes to make a valuable contribution by combining her experience as a parent of a camper with her ability to tell Ukandu’s story.
Director
Committees
Committee volunteers provide vital leadership and work in conjunction with the board and staff to further UKANDU's mission and reach in the community.
A proud Chicago native, Sue is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant at Oregon Health & Science University/Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. She is a graduate of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and she completed her residency in Pediatrics as well as her fellowship training in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant at the University of Colorado School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Sue combines her clinical and research interests as the Medical Director of the Doernbecher Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program and as the Pediatric Director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program. Sue has an interest in improving the care of children with cancer on a global front as well as at home in Portland. She has been volunteering in Tanzania, working to improve care for children with cancer, since 2008. She is currently an Honorary Lecturer at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania and has been involved in coordinating the Master’s Program in Pediatric Oncology there—the exciting, first program of its kind in eastern Africa to train pediatricians to care for children with cancer. Sue is a true believer in the power of camp to transform the lives of children diagnosed with cancer. She worked for a summer at Camp Twin Lakes in Georgia during medical school and served on the Board of Directors of Camp Wapiyapi, including time as the Board President, during her time in Colorado. Sue has volunteered as a camp doctor with Camp UKANDU since moving to Portland in 2008 and has been the organization’s Medical Director since 2013. When Camp UKANDU embarked on the adventure of becoming an independent 501c3 organization, Sue welcomed the opportunity to bring her experience and passion for camp to the endeavor. She is committed to growing the organization and continuing to bring camp opportunities to the children she treats every day.
A proud Chicago native, Sue is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant at Oregon Health & Science University/Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. She is a graduate of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and she completed her residency in Pediatrics as well as her fellowship training in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant at the University of Colorado School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Sue combines her clinical and research interests as the Medical Director of the Doernbecher Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program and as the Pediatric Director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program. Sue has an interest in improving the care of children with cancer on a global front as well as at home in Portland. She has been volunteering in Tanzania, working to improve care for children with cancer, since 2008. She is currently an Honorary Lecturer at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania and has been involved in coordinating the Master’s Program in Pediatric Oncology there—the exciting, first program of its kind in eastern Africa to train pediatricians to care for children with cancer. Sue is a true believer in the power of camp to transform the lives of children diagnosed with cancer. She worked for a summer at Camp Twin Lakes in Georgia during medical school and served on the Board of Directors of Camp Wapiyapi, including time as the Board President, during her time in Colorado. Sue has volunteered as a camp doctor with Camp UKANDU since moving to Portland in 2008 and has been the organization’s Medical Director since 2013. When Camp UKANDU embarked on the adventure of becoming an independent 501c3 organization Sue welcomed the opportunity to bring her experience and passion for camp to the endeavor. She is committed to growing the organization and continuing to bring camp opportunities to the children she treats every day.
Medical Director
Mareshah “MJ” Jackson is the Communications and Development Coordinator at Hoyt Arboretum. Her connection with UKANDU started in 2020 when she helped create a communications plan for the organization as part of her graduate program in Strategic Communications at the University of Oregon. Seeing her work first-hand, our Executive Director recruited her to this role and we are lucky to have her energy and expertise helping UKANDU as we seek to further our reach in the community. When she’s not recovering from all-nighters, you can find her running through Portland, taking photos of park signs, and window-shopping.
Mareshah “MJ” Jackson is the Communications and Development Coordinator at Hoyt Arboretum. Her connection with UKANDU started in 2020 when she helped create a communications plan for the organization as part of her graduate program in Strategic Communications at the University of Oregon. Seeing her work first-hand, our Executive Director recruited her to this role and we are lucky to have her energy and expertise helping UKANDU as we seek to further our reach in the community. When she’s not recovering from all-nighters, you can find her running through Portland, taking photos of park signs, and window-shopping.
Communications Committee Chair
Marcie is the VP Home Lending Loan Closing Manager at Umpqua Bank. She has worked in the mortgage banking industry for 18 years and was in retail banking prior to that. Marcie's first exposure to UKANDU was through one of her associates who had been a previous camper and was a counselor at that time. She found her energy and excitement about camp to be contagious. As it turned out, there were numerous associates Marcie worked with who were involved with UKANDU. She became involved as a sponsor for the Breakfast Around the Campfire fundraiser. After attending several fundraisers, Marcie was inspired to get more involved in the organization. She has been involved with UKANDU since 2014 and on the Development Committee since 2019. Marcie is the mother of three, grandmother of four, and dog mom of one. She currently resides in Vancouver, Washington. Her hobbies include outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and gardening. She loves books in any form- paper, audio, and eBooks.
Marcie is the VP Home Lending Loan Closing Manager at Umpqua Bank. She has worked in the mortgage banking industry for 18 years and was in retail banking prior to that. Marcie's first exposure to UKANDU was through one of her associates who had been a previous camper and was a counselor at that time. She found her energy and excitement about camp to be contagious. As it turned out, there were numerous associates Marcie worked with who were involved with UKANDU. She became involved as a sponsor for the Breakfast Around the Campfire fundraiser. After attending several fundraisers, Marcie was inspired to get more involved in the organization. She has been involved with UKANDU since 2014 and on the Development Committee since 2019. Marcie is the mother of three, grandmother of four, and dog mom of one. She currently resides in Vancouver, Washington. Her hobbies include outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and gardening. She loves books in any form- paper, audio, and eBooks.
Marcie Walsh
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