Kristin Podsiad is a senior at the University of Florida. 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 Boston, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

I grew up in a small town where almost everyone has a connection to the cancer community. Despite always being aware of cancer, I didn’t truly understand how tough of a battle it was until I had a teacher battling cancer. What is ingrained in my memory are the days that she showed up to teach, despite her diagnosis. She continued to pour into every one of her students, empowering everyone around her to be better thinkers and humans. Two years ago, someone I considered to be my second mother lost her battle with cancer. Losing someone who was there to see my growth and who genuinely wanted the best for me was extremely difficult. Individuals who have battled cancer are some of the most loving and influential humans I have ever met. Having the opportunity to run for this community is truly an honor.

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

Running is a sport I’ve fallen in love with over the years and has really shaped me into the person I am today. Using one of my passions to help others seems like a no-brainer! The world has made strides in terms of scientific research and developing treatments for diseases. However, there are still far too many individuals who battle cancer every day. This cause is very close to my heart and I am excited to be able to help these strong individuals and their families. 4K for Cancer truly shows that running can help change lives!

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!