Haley Kenyon is a sophomore at Flagler College. In the summer of 2018, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49-day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco to New York City, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community? 

When I was 14, my dad was diagnosed with skin cancer. We lived in Pennsylvania and he had to go to regular treatments in Ohio. I was young and didn’t really understand cancer at the time so it was all very scary and confusing for me. He ended up having his bottom eyelid cut out and part of his cheek and had to have reconstructive surgery to get rid of the cancer. He had to wear an eye patch for a while and we called him “Patchy the Pirate”. Since then, he has recovered fully! When I was 16, my grandmother who I was very close with was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. My mom moved down to Florida to take care of her for a while. I ended up missing a lot of school that year due to frequent trips to see her to spend as much time with her as I could. After a fight that lasted half a year, she passed away. Cancer has greatly affected my life and I have also participated in Relay for Life events while I was in high school. I believe it’s important to get involved and do what you can do personally to help make a change!

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

I have been running since I was 12 years old. It has always been a big and positive part of my life. When I run, it gives me a feeling that nothing else can and it makes me feel strong and ready to take on anything. I want to put this feeling to good use by spreading awareness and encouragements for other dealing with or involved with cancer. I am lucky to be healthy, although I never know when this will not be the case anymore. I want to live every day to the fullest because I do not know what could happen next. I want to put my abilities I have into the community and join a team who has the courage and motivation to make a difference, as this foundation does.

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!