Julia Giard is a senior at  Framingham State University. In the summer of 2019, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore to San Francisco, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My family has been directly impacted by cancer. In August of last year my dad received his cancer diagnosis, stage 4 Duodenal Cancer. He fought hard for as long as he could but in July of 2018 he lost his battle. Watching my dad go through this, along side other family members has had a huge impact on me. Through this foundation I am hoping to reach out and help others who have also been touched by cancer, while also raising money so hopefully in the future we can find a cure so no one has to be affected by this disease.

Why are you traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Foundation?

The Ulman Foundation is an amazing foundation. Through raising money on this 4,000 mile bike ride, Ulman will be able to award scholarships to those affected by cancer, help those who have had cancer fight back with the Cancer to 5k program, establish the Ulman House for families dealing with a cancer diagnosis who need financial help, places to stay and other resources. During the bike ride we will stop and deliver chemo care packages, volunteer at local hospital and visit with families impacted by cancer.

2019 marks the 18th 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 Foundation (Ulman). Interested in joining the fight? Apply to be a rider or runner a at www.4kforcancer.org! 

CHALLENGE:

Over 72,000 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:

Ulman Foundation changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, Ulman 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.

Ulman House - This year Ulman will open 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!