Jen Antonelli is a graduate student at Stevenson 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 Baltimore, MD. 

 What is your connection to the cancer community?

Similar to most, cancer has had a big impact on my family and me. When I was a sophomore in high school I was told that my biggest supporter, my grandpa, had cancer and was given only six months to live. It was the most heartbreaking news I had ever been told, but my grandpa was a fighter. He lived about 18 months longer than the doctors’ predictions. I grew up seeing my grandpa all the time, so I was around through his fight. I saw how cancer affected him, hurt him, and changed him, but he showed me how strong cancer patients and their caregivers are. 

Although I have lost two loved ones, I have been fortunate to know many cancer survivors, who I am inspired by everyday. Both of my grandmothers, my aunt, my sister-in-law, and many family friends have fought and beat cancer. All of my loved ones are the reasons I have a strong passion of supporting the cancer community.

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

This summer I am dedicating my 4,000-mile run to Shannon. Shannon was a friend of mine in college who was so passionate about finding a cure for cancer.  She was an energetic, sweet, and loving spirit, who loved helping others and running. She passed away this past year, and I hope to show even an ounce of her passion, happiness, and spirit during my run, for 4K for Cancer truly embodies a mission that she would absolutely love and support. 

I am also running this summer in memory of the loved ones my family and I have lost, in honor of those who have fought and won their battle, and in support of those who are still fighting. I have never been on a cross-country road trip, so it absolutely amazes me that this summer I have the opportunity to run across the U.S. and make a difference while doing so.

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!