Jessie Groh is a Junior at Concordia University of Wisconsin. In the summer of 2017, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore to Seattle, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My connection to the cancer community isn't as great as some people's but cancer is something that hits close to home. I have close personal ties to cancer. My grandma passed away from cancer.  Close relatives and friends of mine are currently battling cancer.

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

I heard about the 4K through my sister's college roommate who was a rider with  a different organization.  I am love  helping others and making a change, this is why volunteering has always been something I’m passionate about. When I heard about the biking trip I immediately wanted to participate. I love to bike, I have been riding my bike since I was three years old and I have always felt strongly about making a difference.  This trip is a great experience and it is for a cause that is near and dear to my heart.  Having an experience like this one, and knowing that I am making a difference in finding a cure for cancer, is just an incredible feeling to have.  I know that this will be a challenge, but good things don’t come easy in life.   Overall I want to do this ride because it is a great way to give back to people who are affected by cancer. We are not just helping the cancer victims, we are helping their friends, families, coworkers, and so many more people. This is a great step forward in finding a cure for a terrible disease.

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!