Kerry Stein is a Senior at the University of Central Florida. 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?

In my life thus far, I have known many people, both friends and family members, who have battled cancer in some form. I feel most connected to the cancer community through my brother, Matthew, a survivor of 6 years. Living with him and watching him go through chemo every day for months made cancer a much more real and scary prospect. It was the reason I researched and became a part of raising awareness for colon cancer. It was also the only way I could prepare for when my godfather, Jeff, was diagnosed and then passed away from esophageal cancer last year. Watching them fight this awful disease was difficult and scary, but it was also inspiring and hopeful. It is in memory and thanksgiving for my uncles, brother, aunt, family and friends who have struggled with cancer and have inspired me by their strength and perseverance to overcome it, that I am so passionate and grateful to become an involved member in the cancer community.

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

I am running for my brother being 6 years a survivor. For my godfather who lost his life fighting this illness. For my aunts and uncles battling skin cancer. For all of my family and friends who endured the journey with them and myself. But I am also running with the Ulman Cancer Fund to help all those whose lives and health are now subject to the will of this disease and have no control over the medical circumstances they are in. I believe in the Ulman Cancer Fund's mission to change lives through creating and providing support to those impacted by cancer. Along this journey, I will strive to raise awareness and funds for the members of the cancer community, to use my impact and provide that kind of support to them, and to expand their support systems with every mile I run. 

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!