Juliana Vossenberg is a junior at Virginia Tech majoring in Psychology and Human Development with a minor in Disabilities Studies. 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?

I think that everyone has some sort of connection to the cancer community, whether it is direct or indirect. Personally, I have a few people in my life that have had to battle this terrible disease. My grandma, my great aunt, and my aunt have all battled and beaten cancer (woohoo!!).

In high school, my field hockey coach/ gym teacher, Carrie Roarty passed away from cancer. Mrs. Roarty was one of the bravest, strongest, and sweetest people I have ever met in my entire life. When I met Mrs. Roarty, she was already battling cancer for a few years, but during my sophomore year of high school she lost her battle. She was the kind of person that impacted and touched that hearts of every single person she met.

Lastly, another connection I have is through my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Our philanthropy is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. Through our philanthropy, I have been able to see just how prevalent cancer is and how many of my close friends have had strong connects to cancer too.

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

I am running 4,000 miles over the summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund because I think it seems like an amazing and life changing opportunity. Not only do I get to help people battling a horrible disease, but I also get to push myself to new limits, adventure around the country, and meet incredible people. As soon as I learned about this, I knew I couldn't pass on the chance to challenge myself, grow as a person, and support a great cause!!

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!