Liora Wolder is a senior at Cal State Fullerton. 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 to Seattle, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

When I was 17 years old, I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma- a bone cancer that was in my kidney. I was homeschooled my junior year of high school, underwent surgery to remove my kidney, a year of Chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation. Every side effect that could have happened, happened to me. I lost my hair, became frail and missed out of a whole year of my life. I met many people along the way, some were lucky enough to have made a full recovery, and others lost their lives fighting like a champion. I am approaching 5 years in remission this February and can not be more excited to celebrate it by cycling 4000 miles across America.

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

I am cycling across America to prove to myself that I am strong enough, that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. I spent too many nights in the hospital and missed out on many things thoughout my teenage years. I missed out on too many sunsets and didnt watch enough sunrises. Traveling across the country on a bicycle is something I never thought was possible 6 years ago. I know what it feels like to have the fear of not seeing the next day, so here I am, making the most out of my life and slowly ticking things off my bucket list. I want to show other cancer patients that there is a life after cancer and that they too, can control their own life and take matters into their own hands. 

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!