Bradley Acton is a sophomore at Front Range Community College in Fort Collins, Colorado. In the summer of 2018, he will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore, MD to Seattle, WA, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My best friend, aka my dad, was diagnosed with lung cancer when I was in 5th grade. He battled all the way until my freshman year of high school when he passed away. Even while he was sick and struggled with his fight, he taught me that no matter what, it is important to love fully, give often to others, and to value every moment we have in life.  Through joy, sorrow, fear, and peace, the time we share with each other is what matters most, and always lasts.

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

I am biking 4,000 miles this upcoming summer, because I want to make a difference. I want to inspire action.  Anyone who has experienced cancer (directly or through a close friend/family member) has gone through an insanely tough obstacle in their life. The people who have done so inspire me to accomplish a big physical feat as well, in their honor. I am so stoked to travel the country while helping others.  With each mile I ride and every conversation I have on this journey, I hope to make connections that inspire the way my dad's life inspires me.

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!