Katelyn Ledet is a graduate of Auburn University School of Nursing. In the summer of 2018, she will be traveling with a group of 30 young adults on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore, MD to Seattle, WA, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

We all have been affected by the realm of the cancer world in some way or another. I could keep writing about my mom - a survivor, my family friend - not as fortunate to be a survivor, my patients, classmates, etc but writing about these amazing people is something we can all do. I'd rather focus on my connection to the perspective of those living with cancer. More than not, the outlook on life of this special population is something I have always admired and been deeply affected by. They understand the bittersweet impermanence of life and that has become a philosophy I desire to live by each day; to do what makes you happy, focus on the important things, not let the opinion of others influence me in a negative way, and love the life I live because good or bad - it's MY story.

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

Biking across the country has been a pretty recent desire and goal of mine. I've realized through previous races I've completed within the year that we ourselves are usually our biggest limitation. You'd be surprised at what you can accomplish when you get rid of the expectation/doubt you pre-set for yourself and just go do it. I desire to be a rider with 4k because this program is much bigger than a bucket list item. Through fundraising and volunteer work, we will be impacting each other as riders, those witnessing our adventure, the communities we will be giving back to, and more importantly young adults with cancer.

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!