Ally Rising is a junior at Marquette University. In the summer of 2019, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49-day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco to Boston, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Cancer has affected me since the time that I was born. During my first year and a half of life, my grandma moved in with my family while she battled Pancreatic Cancer. She unfortunately lost her battle to Pancreatic Cancer, but she fought strong and beat Ovarian and Colon Cancer before losing her battle to the Pancreatic Cancer. On the same day exactly two years later, my grandfather passed away from Renal Cancer. Cancer hit close to home again in the spring of 2011, when my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Thankfully my mother beat breast cancer and has everyday inspired me to live my life to the fullest and not take anything or anyone for granted.

Why are you traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Foundation?

I'm traveling the 4,000 miles this summer to honor all of those who have battled or are currently battling cancer. Cancer is a devastating thing and by running in this event, I will be able to further bring ease and support to the families who need it most. Running and the fight against cancer are two thing that I am so passionate about and by running with the 4K, I will be able to combine two of the things I love the most, while traveling across the United States and helping those battling cancer who can’t run.

I am also traveling the 4,000 miles for the two strongest women I've ever met; my grandma and my mother. 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of my grandma's passing from Pancreatic Cancer and what better way to honor her life than to run across the country in memory of her! I know she will be smiling down on me throughout every mile and will be my biggest cheerleader. I am also running in honor of my mom, who showed me throughout her treatment that even in the toughest battles, you must have strength and resilience. I hope to have the same strength throughout my journey this summer across America!

2019 marks the 18th year of the 4K for Cancer sending young adults on journeys across the country in an effort to inspire hope and unite communities in the fight against cancer. The 4K for Cancer is a program of the Ulman Foundation (Ulman). Interested in joining the fight? Apply to be a rider or runner a at www.4kforcancer.org! 

CHALLENGE:

Over 72,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer every year. Young adults (ages 15-39) face a variety of unique challenges with a cancer diagnosis including fertility preservation, social isolation, lack of insurance, delayed diagnosis, and more. 

SOLUTION:

Ulman Foundation changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, Ulman is able to provide free support services and resources for the young adult cancer community including:

Cancer to 5K - a 12-week training program designed to introduce or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity.

Patient Navigation - a free program (onsite at cancer centers and remotely through our office) that ensures no young adult ever faces cancer alone. We provide one-on-one support & resources to young adults and their families to help them manage the cancer experience and long-term cancer survival.

Scholarships - a financial assistance program to help young adults continue their education after being affected by cancer through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one.

Ulman House - This year Ulman will open a “home away from home” to provide free housing for young adult cancer patients, and their caregivers, in East Baltimore. 

Your donation will help make these programs and our mission possible!