Kristina Carbrey is a senior at the University of St. Mary. In the summer of 2018, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students 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?

It's sad to say we now live in a world where cancer is a prevalent disease and has greatly altered the lives of many people and their families. My grandmother on my fathers side died of lung cancer when I was very young, and I only have very vague memories of her. If not for this disease, I believe we would have a very strong relationship and from the stories I hear she shared my love for art and my humor. More recently I have lost my maternal grandmother to liver cancer induced by hepatitis C. It was hard to witness the effects of this disease and the hardships of my family as we tried to cope with my grandmothers passing. Particularly the months prior to my grandmothers death my family became closer, and I was glad to see this so my mother while she was away taking care of my grandmother had a support system. This experience, though it was hard, really opened up my eyes to the importance of cancer research and celebrating those who have survived cancer.

My aunt and uncle's grandchild, Mason, passed away from leukemia shortly after his first birthday, it was tragic to see someone so young and full of life pass away so abruptly. Watching my aunt and uncles and the strength of Mason's parents through his battle with cancer was truly inspiring. Mason's mother through her traumatic loss of her firstborn child to this devastating disease, has impacted the lives of many by sharing her story and has inspired me to be part of the Ulman Funds 4K for cancer. Overall I believe nowadays many people can relate to the devastation and losses caused by cancer, and sadly in some way a connected to or know someone who is connected to the cancer community.

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

I am traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults to honor those currently battling cancer and people who have lost their lives battling this disease. I hope to help impact the lives of others in a positive manner, and provide support to those who are currently being impacted by cancer. Through the 4K I will be able to utilize my passion for cycling in a way that positively impacts others, and commemorate my grandmothers and Mason. I believe this journey will raise awareness and hopefully inspire others, because no one should feel alone in their struggles with cancer, even if it is not directly impacting them. This horrific disease has altered the lives of many of those around us, and I hope to contribute to this cause to create a positive impact.

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!