Gabriela Garza is a sophomore at California Polytechnic State University. 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 New York, NY to raise funds and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. 

What is your connection to the cancer community?

This past year my grandmother discovered an irregular mass at the base of her throat and underwent surgery to remove her left thyroid. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. This announcement left many of my family members speechless and in tears. She went through a second surgery to remove what remained of her thyroid. She experienced a very painful year in route to recovery. Being her first grandchild, my grandmother holds an incredibly special place in my heart. My grandmother along with many other close relatives of mine have either been impacted by or are currently battling cancer. In addition to my grandmother, my dad recently lost his cousin to ovarian cancer.

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

I am traveling 4000 miles this summer because I want those battling cancer to know they have support and are not fighting this battle alone. I want to educate myself and others on what resources are available in the community for people suffering from cancer. I feel that running across the country, battling against my own body on a daily basis, is the best way I can relate to those who face a much more serious battle. I want to influence others to live every day with an intention to be happy and healthy. There’s absolutely no words for how honored and excited I am to be a part of such an amazing organization. 

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!