Karla Hernandez is a freshman at Clark University. In the summer of 2018, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49-day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco to New York City, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community? 

It has been something that has affected my family widely, my cousin has been battling testicular cancer for 2 years, my paternal grandmother died of brain cancer, and my maternal grandmother survived skin cancer. I have seen them fight for their lives every single day and seen them wonder whether they should keep fighting this battle or not. I have been there unable to do anything about it, always feeling like I should do more to help them continue fighting. Not only can I empathize with those struggling with cancer, but with their families as well. Just like them I have seen my loved ones faid before my eyes and wonder if they can carry on. I strongly believe that, I can do so much more to help than what I am currently doing for them and for others.

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

I want to be part of this journey because I have seen many people, including people I love, go through so much to win their battle against cancer. I strongly believe that it is time for me to become a support system for every single person going through this by fighting the battle with them. With this in mind, I want to be part of those that are committed to run across the country to empower and support the cancer community. Running with the 4k for cancer will give me the opportunity to inspire not only people impacted by cancer but also others who are not sure where to start their alliance with the cancer community.

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!