Allyson Randall is a freshman at UC Santa Barbara. In the summer of 2018, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49-day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco to New York City, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community? 

Cancer runs in my family on both my parents’ sides. My dad was diagnosed with testicular cancer when I was 5 years old – just after my brother was born. My grandpa has had melanoma and my grandma’s brother passed away from colon cancer in his 40's. Witnessing the strength that people have amidst a cancer diagnosis is so inspiring to me. It shows the resilience a person can have even when faced with some of the most difficult challenges life can bring.

Why are you traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults? 

The 4K for Cancer is a unique way that allows me to help raise money and awareness for cancer while also pushing myself physically. So many people are afflicted with this disease and I think the 4K could be an amazing opportunity for me to make a difference in the lives of some people affected by cancer. I have seen the way my community has rallied around people who are battling cancer and it has been amazing to me to see the positivity that people can bring and support they have for these people. I would like to be a part of something bigger than myself where we can visit cancer patients across the country and brighten their day with a visit or delivery of a Chemo Care Bag.

2018 marks the 17th 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 a 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!