Abby Rentschler is a sophomore at the University of Alabama. In the summer of 2017 she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49 day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco, CA to New York, NY to raise funds and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. 

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My grandpa died from skin cancer about three years ago after a seventeen year battle. It was heartbreaking yet inspiring to watch him fight the disease. My grandma and he did everything they possibly could to extend my grandpa's life, even if it was just by a single day whether that was giving up all forms of sugar or driving four hours to sit in an oxygen chamber. My grandpa was a fighter, and he definitely made a big impact on how I approach life now.

Why are you traveling over 4000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults?

I cannot think of a better way to spend my summer. Everything about 4K for Cancer speaks to me--- the running, the community service, the mission to spread cancer awareness, getting to meet and be inspired by so many like minded people---everything. Something about running seems to unite people. This team is doing exactly that while at the same time contributing to multiple communities across the country and inspiring people to be healthier, happier, and more compassionate towards one another. This team is like a dream come true, and it is an absolute honor to be a part of it.

2017 marks the 16th 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 Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF). Interested in joining the fight? Apply to be a rider or runner at www.4kforcancer.org! 

Challenge:

Over 70,000 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:

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, the Ulman Cancer Fund 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.

UCF House - This year UCF broke ground on 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!