Jaclyn Scott is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In the summer of 2018, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore, MD to Portland, OR raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

It feels like everyone is connected to the cancer community in one way or another. When I was in the 6th grade my Poppop was diagnosed with oral cancer. His battle was short but messy, and difficult to understand as a 12 year old. As I've grown, cancer has continued to test me and the people I love. I have lost 3 other grandparents to cancer: my father's father died of lung cancer before I was born; my father's mother had breast cancer; and my stepmother's father had prostate cancer. Somewhat recently my boyfriend's mother had to go through a double mastectomy and just this past year my cousin lost his fight against lung cancer. My aunt is currently in recovery after undergoing oral surgery this past month. I am riding in honor of those close to my heart who have been affected by cancer.

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

I am riding with the 4K this summer because I want to be an advocate for young adults with cancer. As a young adult, it's difficult to imagine what it would feel like to be told you have cancer. This ride is an opportunity to make a difference (even if it's just a small one) in the lives of some people my age battling cancer. I've always valued my time spent volunteering and helping others however this will be my first experience specifically working with people in my age group. I chose to give back in the form of a cross-country bike ride because I enjoy pushing myself both mentally and physically out of my comfort zone. I guarantee my personal growth from this journey will reach far beyond the circumference of my thighs. Let's get after it and kick some cancer butt.

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!