Katie Reese is a sophomore at  University of Alabama at Birmingham. In the summer of 2019, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore, MD to Seattle, WA raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My grandmother was diagnosed with Stage IV colon and liver cancer. Watching her progress after going through treatment and surgery has really shown me the real effects of this disease. I admire every patient and family who have gone through these hardships. Everyone we have encountered through her treatment has been wonderful which is what makes me so interested in the cause because it really does take a team.

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

I am traveling 4000 miles because I feel that this is an great opportunity to raise money for an even greater cause. I am so excited to put forth my effort to help those that are fighting and recovering from battling cancer. So many families have dealt with this terrible disease, and I hope to be able to work towards the cause of lessening that burden.

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!