Emi Petrillo is a graduate of St. Mary’s College. In the summer of 2017 she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49 day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco, CA to Baltimore, MD to raise funds and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. 

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Sadly, I have personally seen friends and family battle against cancer. As heartbreaking as the disease may be, it also is a medium where human resilience and incredible acts of courage thrive. Seeing people who battle cancer still be able to smile and find joy is an inspiration and I want to use my time and capabilities to help those during their struggles. When my aunt battled cancer, my Aunt Ruby dedicated herself to helping. From driving her to get chemo to translating doctors appointments into Spanish, my Aunt Ruby used every and all of her resources to alleviate some of the struggle that comes from battling cancer. My family is my inspiration but most all my Aunt Ruby. She relentlessly sacrifices all of herself for others and she pushes her limits because of a genuine love for all people. I want to use what she has taught me through her actions and dedicate my life as well to helping those who need another hand.

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

Since graduating from St Mary’s college of Maryland in 2016, there has been a constant pressure on me and other recent college grads to “do something”. There is an expectation that individuals should have their lives planned out or in a steady direction; but for me I struggled to find a rhythm. I have an education and a love for other people and I want to use these during this time of limbo to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I want to help support an organization that focuses on creating a community for young adults with cancer and I also want to challenge myself and others to see that we can do so much more than what we think our limits are.

2017 marks the 16th 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 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!