Bethany Gray is a graduate of Baylor University. In the summer of 2019, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore, MD to San Francisco raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

At any point in my life, I could name at least one person I know going through the intense experience their body turning against them. Cancer, in its many forms, is an insidious disease and it is shockingly common.

This year alone, I witnessed three individuals succumb to cancer. Their disease did not care about their strong, sharp, creative, loving, and passionate characteristics. Cancer has no regard for what kind of person you are, whether or not you are religious, what kind of job you work, or the depth of your relationships. It especially does not care what you are leaving behind, whether that is a family or a life left unlived to its full potential.

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

Nobody should have to deal with cancer. But many must. It is bad enough that many face cancer in their lives at all, but it is especially heartbreaking when young people are forced to take on the challenge and divert their time and energy to reclaiming their health instead of focusing on their education, passions, and early careers.

I am so! very! lucky! that I have good health and the capability to do something such as biking across the country. It is my hope that I can use my abilities as a cyclist to make a difference in young people's lives.

It is my hope that my time and efforts through fundraising, volunteering, and scholarships alleviate even a small portion of the financial and physical stress that comes with treating cancer.

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!