Brianna Hayes is a senior at Ithaca College. In the summer of 2018 she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49 day, 4,000+ mile run from San Francisco to Baltimore raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My connection to the cancer community started when I was a freshman in highschool. My soccer coach's son, Ollie, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. We created a Thousand Origami Cranes in hopes in granting his one wish from the gods,  remission. Years later my Nana passed away from Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. At 17 I had the maturity to mourn her passing. Months later my Grandmother who I had the strongest bond with was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer. My world crumbled around me as everything I once knew was destroyed. I was a sophomore in college when I lost the women I aspire to be. On March 4, 2017 my last grandma was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer and she's currently kicking cancer's ass. 

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

Athletic teams are my home, they are who I turn to for support, love, and motivation. I am currently on the women’s variety track and field team at Ithaca College. A team is so powerful, everyone’s role is equally important, and it takes a village to reach a common goal. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with this amazing social support system for challenges that may arise. The 4k team is established for one common goal. A passion for running, raising awareness, support, and hope against adolescent cancer. I have been granted the opportunity of a lifetime that includes connecting with others who have endured the similar experiences that seem unbearable and have similar passions. I am running 4,000 miles for those who can't, for my loved ones, and for myself.

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!