Amanda Murray is a freshman at  St. John's 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 Baltimore, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

When I was 14, my grandfather was diagnosed with brain cancer. Over the course of a year, I watched him transform from a hardworking man into one limited to a hospital bed. The severity of the disease was hard for me to grasp in the beginning, but as he continued to lose control of his actions and his thoughts- including who I was, I realized just how quickly cancer can take someone you love away. In addition, this past year I have been personally touched by my roommate who has recently beat leukemia. I constantly look at her in amazement as I have learned so much about her perseverance throughout her fight; including continuing to do what she loves. Marina loves to run, and she didn't stop for treatment or challenge. That is pure strength.

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

By traveling 4,000 miles with the Ulman Cancer Foundation, I am able to combine two of my biggest values that have had such an impact on my life. I have always found joy in committing myself to different communities through volunteer work in order to meet new people, listen to others’ stories, and gain new perspectives on life. The 4K is unique because I get to do all of that while running. I am embarking on this journey for all of my loved ones who have put up such a fight against cancer, but also for Marina who was become such an inspiration to me. The 4K provides me with the ability to embrace Marina’s love for running, combine it with my own love, and help to build awareness and hope for young adults affected by cancer.

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!