Justin Johnson is a junior at The University of Tennessee. In the summer of 2018 he will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49 day, 4,000+ mile run from San Francisco to Baltimore raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My primary connection to the cancer community is through my great grandfather, Edward Carson Hitchcock, who passed away from pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, I've witnessed various, other people throughout my life inflicted with these diseases. Pancreatic cancer and many other cancers are inexcusably and indiscriminately taking lives every day. It's important to do our part to mitigate the impact of cancer on our society.

Why are you traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults?

From antiquity, cancer is a class of diseases that continues to consistently plague humanity. Recent improvements in micro and cellular biology has bestowed indispensable knowledge in combating and treating cancer. This cancer research would not have been possible without the financial support of caring, attentive individuals and organizations. When I was informed about the 4K for Cancer Run, I realized that I could make a positive contribution to a noble, worthy cause. During this arduous journey, I would like to communicate with affected communities, learn their stories, and form new connections. For cancer survivors, patients, and distressed families, we need to provide emotional support and understanding that their concerns and issues will never be forgotten. Furthermore, trekking across the continental United States imposes valuable life lessons onto those currently afflicted with cancer. To win any battle, you must have the necessary perseverance to overcome opposition. The 4K for Cancer Run accomplishes this idea and sets a powerful example of never giving up when times are hard and the end is unforeseeable.

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!