Jessica O'Reilly is a freshman at  Binghamton University. 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 Seattle, WA, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

When I was in fourth grade, my cousin was diagnosed with leukemia. I watched my extended family’s lives go from normal to filled with trips to the hospital, doctor’s appointments, and hardship. Witnessing the impact my cousin’s illness had on his entire family inspired me to help out. I looked for ways to get involved and stumbled upon Relay for Life. The first year I did Relay I fell in love with it. Fundraising and knowing that I was making a difference filled me with so much joy. Over the years, I put more and more effort into Relay. I was the captain of my fundraising team and worked on the event leadership committee for my high school. Eventually I became the fundraising chair for our event. Holding a leadership position on the committee was such an honor and I learned so much about fundraising and making a difference. I am inspired and willing to do as much as I can to help out.

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

It has always been a dream of mine to cycle across the United States. I love pushing myself out of my comfort zone and a 4,000 mile bike ride seemed like the perfect life changing journey. However, I knew I needed something to dedicate my ride to. Cycling all day, everyday for three months leaves you with a lot of time to think. I knew that I was going to need something to think about and inspire me to keep going. When I came across the 4K for Cancer program, it seemed like fate. Fundraising and then cycling to raise cancer awareness sounds like the most amazing experience. I feel like I’m meant to do this, and every time I think about it I’m filled with excitement.

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!