Engineering
Resilience.
Bridging the critical gap between pediatric and adult healthcare through holistic life skills, mental health support, and career pathways.
Holistic Restoration
Addressing the mind, body, and future.
Life Skills
Navigating insurance, mock clinics, and independent living for young adults transitioning out of pediatric care.
Career Pathways
AI-driven career matching and higher education advocacy to ensure chronic illness doesn't limit economic potential.
Mental Health
Addressing the "Invisible Pain" and psychosocial burden of Hospital-Associated Deconditioning (HAD).
About The Kesse Foundation
"To transform the patient journey from passive recipient to active captain."
The Critical Bridge
The Kesse Foundation serves as the critical bridge over the systemic gaps in modern healthcare for adolescents and young adults (AYA). We exist to mitigate the compounding burdens of acute physical deconditioning, the crushing psychological toll of hospitalization, and the pervasive community hesitancy that prevents timely care.
By integrating evidence-based physical rehabilitation with culturally competent psychosocial scaffolding, we engineer outcomes that restore function, dignity, and trust.
The Challenge: A Tri-Partite Failure
Modern medicine is miraculous at saving lives, but the current landscape often fails to support the living of that life.
Deconditioning
Hospital-Associated Deconditioning (HAD) and "Post-Hospital Syndrome" create a cycle of physical frailty and mental despair.
The Developmental Gap
Youth with Chronic Conditions typically age out of aadult care at 21, thrust into adult care without necessary executive functioning skills.
The Trust Deficit
Historical inequities lead to deep-seated hesitancy, delayed care-seeking, and lower adherence to treatment protocols.
Our Strategy: Whole-Person Restoration
Integrated Functional Restoration
Addressing the Body & Mind timeline.
Inpatient: Early Mobility
Interrupting the cycle of learned helplessness via mandatory Early Mobility Programs.
Outpatient: Specialized Rehab
Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy (PIPT) treating fear-avoidance and pain.
Transitional Network (TPPEN)
Building Life & Community.
The Navigator
Peer mentorship with credible messengers.
The Launchpad
Career development & remote work readiness.
The Anchor
Mental health integration & warm handoffs.
Leadership Team
Guided by lived experience and professional expertise, we are dedicated to changing the narrative for chronic illness survivors.
Nana Kesse-Nyampong
President
Driving the vision with lived experience and strategic leadership.
Ray Deweese
Governance
Ensuring organizational integrity and sustainable growth strategies.
Zahara Campbell
Medical Advisor
Bridging clinical protocols with patient-centered advocacy.
Adom Kusi
Community Liaison
Elijah Mitchell
Patient Advocate
Irene Baah
Program Expert
Our Initiatives
Comprehensive support systems designed for the whole person.
Life Skills
Interactive workshops teaching healthcare navigation, insurance literacy, and infection prevention. Includes "Mock Clinic" transitions.
- Insurance Literacy
- Independent Living
Career Pathways
Utilizing AI to identify flexible careers and providing guidance on higher education accommodations for chronic illness survivors.
- AI Career Matching
- Disability Advocacy
Mentorship
Peer mentorship programs and future initiatives to train healthcare providers on empathy and pain management.
- Peer Support Groups
- Provider Training
Smart Education & Health Matcher
Don't let health uncertainty limit your education. Our AI agent analyzes the medical ecosystem near your target schools to ensure they can handle your specific needs.
High Compatibility Match
We've identified 3 Level-1 Trauma Centers and 2 Specialty Clinics within a 10-mile radius of the campus. Disability services at this university are rated A-.
Upcoming Events
Join our community. From support groups to educational workshops, we are here for you.
View Full CalendarTransition Workshop: Adult Care
"Invisible Pain" Support Group
Resource Center
Curated academic papers, patient education essentials, and visual aids.
Sickle Cell Disease
Neurology & CognitionManaging silent strokes, crisis prevention, and cognitive health screening.
Diagram shows normal round red blood cells flowing freely vs. sickle-shaped cells causing a blockage.
BMT Survivorship
Post-Transplant CareGVHD symptoms, immune system recovery, and long-term survivorship.
Infographic illustrating the stem cell transplant process and immune rebuilding.
Lupus (SLE)
Autoimmune ManagementFlare management, joint protection, and navigating 'invisible' fatigue.
Illustration showing the classic "butterfly rash" across cheeks and nose.
Cystic Fibrosis
Pulmonary & NutritionTransitioning care teams, airway clearance, and nutritional independence.
Human body diagram highlighting impact on lungs and pancreas.
Type 1 Diabetes
EndocrinologyAdult endocrinology, pump management in college, and alcohol safety.
Daily tools: insulin pump, glucose meter, and CGM sensor.
Transition Guide
General ResourcesStep-by-step PDF guides for moving from pediatric to adult providers.
Bridge connecting "Pediatric Care" to "Adult Care" lands.
Local Support Directory
General Chronic Illness & Transition
Resources for navigating life with a complex condition.
Food, Finance, & Transportation
Daily living and economic stability.
Medical & Health
Insurance Programs
Pediatric Centers
Join Our Community
Patients, parents, and partners—we want to hear from you.