Anna Sewell is a junior at the  University of Oklahoma. 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? 

I have had family members diagnosed with cancer, including my father. I’m very blessed to have two family members, who I love dearly, here with me today. They both fought a breast cancer battle and won. My father is currently battling skin cancer; he has been going through biopsies and radiation treatments. Thankfully, he is doing well, and I’m extremely grateful. However, I know that others affected by the horrible disease have conditions much worse. Some of my friends have sadly lost some family members due to various types of cancer. I can only imagine the pain they feel, and it’s heartbreaking that there is no known cure for the disease. The cancer community has a special place in my heart, and I hope that one day, the pain and suffering can stop and together, we can find a cure.

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

I am very passionate about running and giving back to the community, and I’m excited for this incredible journey. I love challenges, am very adventurous, and love giving back. After ending my rowing career in 2016, I have deeply missed being a part of a team. 4K for Cancer seemed like an amazing opportunity for me, and I am looking forward to working hard, training, and raising money with other college students who have the same passion and drive as I do. This past year, I have been focusing on my happiness, and have found that volunteering and giving back have had a major positive impact on my life. I’m looking forward to meeting amazing and inspirational people, both on my team as well as on our journey across the U.S. I know this is going to be a life-changing experience for me, and this opportunity to run for the awareness of cancer while raising money for an awesome organization is incredible.
 

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!