Laura Kasella is a sophomore at University of Minnesota- Duluth. 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 Portland, OR raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My grandma, who I’m very close with is, thankfully, a two-time breast and ovarian cancer survivor. Over the past four years I have been a caregiver to my mom who is now also a two-time colon and liver cancer survivor. Watching my mom battle her disease has been the most challenging part of my life so far, but I’ve tried to make the best out of my experiences, using my knowledge to raise awareness and funds to help others. For the past two years, I have been on the leadership team for our local Relay for Life in Minnesota and have been a captain of my own team of amazing friends. Planning events and raising money in a fun way has been a truly rewarding experience and the cancer community has been a great place to meet people who can share what I’ve been through and has been a huge support network for me ever since my mom was diagnosed in 2013.

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

Since my work with Relay for Life, I have been looking for different ways to contribute to the cancer fundraising and research efforts, and this program seems like a great fit to make that happen. I am an extremely goal-oriented person and I love to always set higher and higher goals for myself. If I could set a massive goal- like crossing the entire U.S. on a bike and raise funds for the cancer community which I feel so connected to: what’s not to love? As a college student, at times I can feel quite helpless because I can’t contribute to charities and fundraisers financially, but I’m aware that I can and should donate: my time, energy, and attitude.

I think it’s awesome to be a part of a program where young people are helping other young people, and I can’t wait to have an amazing summer with my teammates!

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!