Stephanie Allen is a senior at California Lutheran University. 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?

Personally, we lost my grandfather to lung cancer when I was young, and I have since seen many family members/close friends go through the battle with cancer.  Honestly, I feel as though anyone I talk to has been impacted by cancer in some way, which is absolutely devastating.

Why are you traveling over 4000 miles this summer with the Ulman Foundation?

Being a young adult dealing with school, work, and just trying to figure out life, is hard enough as it is, without all of the challenges and heartache that a cancer diagnosis brings.  That's why when I found out about the 4K, I just knew that I had to be a part of it; To run for those who have so much more to worry about than exams, deadlines, and arguing over which roommate should do the dishes.  Anyone who knows me at all also knows that running is a HUGE part of my life, and I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to apply it in a way that will positively impact so many others!

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!