In the summer of 2019, Cooper Lazar 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?

I’ve grown up witnessing others around me struggle with cancer. When I think of cancer I think of my mother growing up without her father, my great uncle passing away soon after his diagnosis, and my dad’s skin cancer scare. My thoughts also move to the experiences of all those around me, and the often untold impact cancer has had within their communities.

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

We all know the toll a cancer diagnosis has on an adult. I can’t imagine what it’s like as a kid, and how alone they must feel as they navigate this experience. I believe that small actions can have a big impact, so I’ve chosen to spend my summer helping those that need it most. I’m riding four thousand miles this summer to raise awareness for youth cancer, and to help kids understand that they’re not alone in their fight. Throughout my journey I hope to inspire others, encouraging them to step out and make a difference, no matter how small it may be.

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!