Jackie Katz is a graduate of the  University of Michigan. 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 influenced my life in various ways, causing both incredible grief and instilling hope. A close friend of mine was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012, when we were sophomores in high school. I admired his strength and positivity throughout the long treatment process, and I am grateful to be hearing good news about his current health. Three years later, my grandfather was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer progressed quickly and fatally, and my family and I miss him everyday since he was taken from us too early. One year following, while I was interning for a para-triathlon club, I had the opportunity to work with some athletes who had battled or were currently battling cancer. I saw the drastic effects that cancer caused on their bodies, even resulting in amputations for some of the bone cancer patients. Seeing the obstacles that my friends and family have had to face in their daily lives due to the harsh treatments for cancer has made me feel helpless in their fights. My experiences with cancer survivors and fighters sparked my interest in pursuing a degree in physical therapy, where I hope to learn skills to help maintain the strength of oncology patients throughout their treatment process. I feel fortunate to have my health, and I am committed to use it in order to support my family and friends who do not.

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

I am excited to be a runner with the 4k because it is an incredible opportunity to give back to the cancer community. I enjoy striving to challenge myself, and since I completed my first marathon last year, I have been searching for my next goal to work towards. I cannot imagine a better goal than to use my passion for running to support a worthy cause and community. I want to support my close family members and friends who have battled cancer by working to raise money and spread awareness.

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!