Kjiera Wilcox is a junior at BYU-Idaho. In the summer of 2019, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore, MD to San Francisco, CA raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

At first, I signed up to be a form of advocate for those who needed more support, then I found out that my cous is facing life with cancer. This knowledge brought home the connection to the cancer community. 

Why are you traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Foundation?

I have had the honor of working with people with intellectually and developmentally disabilities for the past 7 years. I see their fight and how they thrive under the right support. Don't others struggling in a fight deserve the care and support they need to thrive as well? I am excited to be able to bring awareness and support to young adults who can benefit from the Ulman foundation and what they have to offer.

Another reason came to the forefront of my mind before I left for the ride. I found out my mother's grandfather died of cancer and my cousin is currently facing life with cancer. Knowing that I have a greater connection with the effects of cancer in family members lives pulls on my heart strings in a more personal and intimate way. More over, what drives me is the realization that most of us have family members or loved ones facing the challenges and heart aches of cancer. 

2019 marks the 18th 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 Foundation (Ulman). Interested in joining the fight? Apply to be a rider or runner a at www.4kforcancer.org! 

CHALLENGE:

Over 72,000 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:

Ulman Foundation changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, Ulman 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.

Ulman House - This year Ulman will open 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!