Caroline Jaeger is a graduate of Gettysburg College. 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 to Seattle, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Similar to too many other people in the world, I have had a connection to the cancer community throughout the various stages of my life. My grandpa on my mom’s side passed away when I was in elementary school after battling lung cancer and then a blood cancer. When I went off to college, the sweet, elderly woman whom I grocery shopped for every week for six years passed away from ovarian cancer. While in college, I experienced cancer affect my close connections within the Athletic Department, both through staff and teammates. These are some of the closest connections that I have had with the cancer community, and all of their individual stories have had lasting impacts on me and on the way I live my life. I am inspired by their relentless fight and their demonstration of strength. I am driven to fight like they did and bring awareness to the cancer community.

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

I am riding 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Foundation because I want to take action, make a difference, and challenge myself. I have a strong desire to contribute to the fight against cancer by raising awareness in communities and by motivating others to do the same. In addition, I would love to inspire hope in those affected by cancer and to build a stronger connection with the community. Those who are facing cancer are using all their strength - physical, mental, emotional - to keep fighting their battle; I want to use all my strength and ability to help them continue their fight.

It has been a goal of mine to bike across the US ever since I first learned about the 4K For Cancer when I was in high school. I am the type of person who likes to set lofty goals for herself and not stop until they are achieved, even if it takes years. I set out and accomplished goals to play lacrosse in college, to win a national championship, and to climb Mount Whitney. I am ready to make this goal a reality. Being a rider with the 4K combines my dream of cycling across the country with my desire to fight 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!