Kassie Easter is a senior at Belmont Abbey College. 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 Baltimore, MD. 

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Personally I believe that everyone is connected within the cancer community. Unfortunately, many people have lost and continue to lose their loved ones to the disease. For me, I lost my grandpa when I was eight. He meant the world to my family and those around him. I am running the 4K for Cancer to help spread awareness wherever I can, and to help those who have been affected by cancer. Together we can honor those who have passed, and those who get the chance to move forward. 

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

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world"

I want to be apart of something that is bigger than myself. I am traveling 4,000 miles this summer because I believe that it only takes a few people to make a big difference. I am also running to bring hope to those who have been affected or who have had loved ones affected by cancer. Together we will inspire, foster hope, and become one as a community! 

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!