Bea Hesselbart is a junior at Smith College. 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?

A cancer diagnosis can turn people's lives upside down in a matter of seconds. Immediately after I graduated high school, my dad was diagnosed with lymphoma. This was an extremely challenging year for my family in more ways than I can even describe. I think cancer quickly takes on a new meaning when it affects someone so close to you. Although it's impossible for anyone else to know exactly what someone is going through at a time like this, I think a strong support network can really make a difference. I am grateful for all the support my dad has received, especially from the doctors who have played such a vital role in his treatment.

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

I heard about the 4K a couple of years ago and knew it was something I wanted to do someday. I feel very grateful to have the opportunity to participate this summer. I will be traveling 4,000 miles as a way to do as much as I can to support young adults and their loved ones affected by cancer. I will run to give hope to as many people as possible. I will run for all those who cannot.

I am always chasing the unfamiliar and seeking new adventures. The idea of taking a trip across the country has always intrigued me, and I can't think of a better reason to do so. I feel strongly about supporting the Ulman Foundation's mission and feel especially lucky I get to do this while engaging in a sport that I love. I joined my middle school's cross-country team in the sixth grade and have not stopped running since. I wouldn't be who I am today without this sport and the people I have met along the way. I can't wait to join this new community of runners in embarking on an incredibly unique journey across the country.

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!