About Us

Keeping You, Me, and Memories Alive (KYMMA) was formed in 1999. During the first five years of our existence, we operated in association with the Plymouth State University (PSU) Counseling Center. In 2004, KYMMA incorporated as its own entity operating as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

KYMMA's annual event (originally known as "Walk to Fight Cancer") was started by Melissa Merrill, a PSU student who lost her mother (Joan) to cancer. Every year, hundreds of volunteers gather on the PSU campus to participate in a 10-hour walk. Our annual fund-raising event also includes a Dollar Sale, local entertainment, and more. (See photos from past events.)

Leadership and Community Service

See our Leadership page to learn about KYMMA's Board of Directors. You'll find a brief bio for each of our seven board members. Our Committee Members and Medical Advisors are also listed.

Our "Day to Fight Cancer" events have raised more than $158,000. to benefit individuals and families in Central New Hampshire. Funds also support text book awards for students at Plymouth State University and Plymouth Regional High School who are affected by cancer.

In 2010, KYMMA announced two winners of the Joan Merrill Book Awards and two winners of the Michelle Morse Book Awards. (See photos from the awards ceremony at Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth.)

Michelle Morse is the inspiration for "Michelle's Law" (New Hampshire House Bill 37) which took effect in 2005. Michelle's Law was enacted to help ensure that college students do not lose their health insurance when they need it most. (See the Michelle's Law web site for more information. Note: link opens in a new window.)

Photo: AnnMarie Morse (Michelle's mom) and KYMMA Director, Lyndsay Devine, at our 2008 "Day to Fight Cancer."

Michelle Morse was a student at a Plymouth State University when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Although her doctor suggested she take a leave of absence from school, Michelle maintained a full course schedule in order to keep her health insurance coverage.

When New Hampshire Governor John Lynch signed Michelle's Law legislation with strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, he was quoted as saying, "College students with life-threatening illnesses will now be able to take the advice of their doctors and still keep their health insurance. That is because of the courage and commitment of Michelle and her family. Michelle passed away in November. But her memory lives on, and with this law she leaves a legacy that will make a difference in the lives of other young people."

The name of our organization speaks to what we're about: Keeping You, Me, and Memories Alive!

We're dedicated to supporting people in Central New Hampshire whose lives are affected by cancer, including individuals and families in the communities of Ashland, Alexandria, Bath, Benton, Bridgewater, Bristol, Campton, Danbury, Dorchester, Ellsworth, Groton, Hebron, Holderness, Lincoln, New Hampton, Piermont, Plymouth, Rumney, Thornton, Warren, Waterville Valley, Wentworth and Woodstock.

Over the past two years, we issued 83 gifts to local families, including groceries, gas, heating oil, back-to-school clothes and supplies, furnace repairs, utility bills, and "feel good" items. Read some of the testimonials we've received from recipients.

KYMMA News

See our News page for links to numerous articles about KYMMA over the past several years.

See our Mailing List page to sign-up for our free e-mail newsletter. Be first to know!

Download the registration form for our 11th annual event - Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010 (147K, .pdf).

Make a Tax-Deductible Donation

In December 2005, Keeping You, Me, and Memories Alive, Inc. received a community grant from Walmart in the amount of one thousand dollars. In 2007, we received a $250. grant from Walmart.

Click the button below to make a tax-deductible donation with your credit card or checking account. Your donation will be processed by PayPal, the world leader in secure, online payments. To indicate that your donation is in memory of someone, please click the "Notes (Optional)" link after entering the amount of your donation. Thank you very much for your support!

Contact Us

We invite you to contact us if you'd like to contribute/participate in our efforts (see our 2009 community sponsors) or if you know someone who might benefit from our support.