Kaitlyn Redovian is a senior at Kent State 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 New York, NY. 

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Cancer has had its impact on my life since I was young. I had plenty of family members and friends who had been touched by this disease. It was not until 2013 when cancer really affected my life.  

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

I had heard of 4K during the summer going into my junior year of college. I thought of how amazing of an opportunity it would be to be able to spread awareness of cancer as well as being able to run across the country. I had ultimately decided to apply for 4K after my aunt had passed from cancer. In the spring of 2013, my Aunt Vicki was diagnosed with lung and liver cancer and found out that she was going to be a grandmother. With her new diagnosis, all she wanted was to see her grandchild be born. Throughout her battle with cancer, she always had a positive outlook on all of the chemo and radiation treatments that she was enduring. In every update she gave to us, she would always tell us how she was working towards October, to see her grandchild. Her positive spirit is what has inspired me to participate in 4K. I had always wanted to be like her when I was growing up, and still do to this day. I hope with this opportunity I can spread her loving and upbeat attitude throughout the different communities that we come into contact with. This trip I am 100% dedicating to Vicki and I know she will be with me every step of the way.

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!