Tyler Didra is a senior at Stevenson 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 Baltimore, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Many people in my life have been affected and have lost their lives to cancer, but the person that affected my life most was a young man I went to high school with. Dalton was an active, fun-loving kid who I met when he played soccer with my younger brother. But there came a time that Dalton could no longer play, and I found out that he had DSRCT, a fatal form of childhood cancer. It was devastating to see how such a terrible disease hurt someone who had always been so bright, happy and healthy, and who had such a huge future ahead of him. It seemed so unfair for Dalton and his family that he would have to leave us so early in his life.​ I had the opportunity to help Dalton's family fund a trip to Niagara Falls, a trip I hoped would be a fun way for Dalton and his family to spend time together in his last months alive. When Dalton passed, I was devastated, and I made a commitment to help the cancer community as much as I could. Since then, I have continued to meet so many inspirational people who have personally struggled or know someone who has struggled with cancer. Through Relay for Life and other small fundraisers, I was able to better get to know members of the cancer community, and I know the Ulman 4K for Cancer will give me the opportunity to meet many more of these warriors.

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

When I discovered the Ulman Foundation, I was moved by its mission. As someone who dealt with health problems as a teenager and young adult (although, thankfully nothing as devastating as cancer), I remember what it was like to feel alone and struggle through what is already a difficult time in one’s life. Because of my past, I have always been motivated to help others who are struggling with their health and to be a source of inspiration and comfort for them. The Ulman Foundation does something that I want to be a part of. Through this 4K, I hope to raise awareness for cancer and raise the spirits of those who are unable to run because of their illness. I want to give back to a health community that helped me, and I want to give my life to something that matters more than I do. One of the skills I have is running. I have always been a passionate runner, and to have an opportunity to use this to bring more good and happiness into this world is amazing.

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!