Eric Soffronoff is a senior at Furman University. 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 grandmother passed away, after a 15-month fight with stage 4 colon cancer, when I was only 12 years old. This was a wake-up call for me; she was the first relative that I lost. I was sad, and mad, but mostly confused. Why did this happen? How did this happen? She was so young and such a good person. Over the years since, I have seen many friends and neighbors struggle through these same feelings. The chemo treatments were tough, but my grandmother was very strong and so well loved; it pains me to think of those who have to battle something like this alone. It would be an honor to help however I could, in combatting this disease.

Why are you traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults?

In the spring of 2017, I studied abroad in Southern Africa with a focus on poverty and health. This trip gave me a much greater perspective on my place in the world and has opened my eyes to my level of good fortune. I have been blessed throughout my life and I believe that it is then my responsibility to give back to those who have not been so lucky. The mission of the Ulman Cancer Fund is inspiring, and this trip is the perfect opportunity for me to create a positive impact. It combines my passions of travel and helping others. I can’t think of a better way to see our beautiful country than on the seat of a bicycle, nor a better way to give back than focusing on cancer treatment funding and awareness; an issue that has greatly affected us all. ​​​​​​​

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!