Robert Tinsley is a sophomore at Clemson University. In the summer of 2019, he 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?

When I was 10 months-old, my father, Robert W. Tinsley, Jr. was diagnosed with lung cancer. Six days later he passed away. From that point on myself, my twin sister, and my older brother were raised by our mother. Ten years later my mother’s own father passed away after battling blood, prostate, and skin cancer. Growing up fatherless was hard on myself and my siblings, however I look up to my mother so much. Losing the two men she was closest to. She is the strongest woman I have ever met. My brother and sister are my best friends and the loss of our father brings us closer together united under the idea that we will forever have our heavenly father!

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

I am running across the country this summer not only for those directly affected by cancer but for those who are indirectly affected. Those such as my mother and my siblings. Running has been a passion of mine for many years and I am excited to do something meaningful with it. I am expectant that God’s joy and love will be felt this summer and that lives will be changed!

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!