Kristofer Neal is from Bentonville, Arkansas. In the summer of 2019, he will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore to San Francisco, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My grandfather lost the fight to cancer several years ago, and my wife has several family members who have beaten it and/or going through it today.

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

"My goal today is to be better than I was yesterday". Ever since losing 70 lbs back in 2012, my life has always been about improving myself, looking for the next challenge, and motivating others to keep moving forward. I am very blessed, and an incredibly fortunate individual to be in good health. There are people my age who are not so lucky. There are people who struggle every single day fighting illness, disease, cancer. If I can pass on to others the virtues of perseverance and staying strong while I am able, I see no greater cause and time spent than to pass on these ideas and beliefs.

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!