Mollie Johnson is a graduate of St. Mary's College of Maryland. 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?

I feel as if everyone today has some type of connection to the cancer community. We all know someone who has been impacted whether it's a friend, family member, teacher, etc. My grandfather passed away from cancer when I was very young and my aunt and grandmother on my mom's side lost their battles with breast cancer one year apart from each other while I was in college. I know the impact it made on my family personally and I have come to understand that there is more than just a physical fight happening. On a brighter note I have also seen the incredible side of the cancer community – the survivors and the people supporting them are inspiring and their stories are so uplifting. The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is going above and beyond to create a nationwide support group for young adults battling cancer and their families.

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

I have always had a burning desire to make a difference. I have always loved helping people and being a team player. I have seen the impact that this ride has made on riders and how it has changed their lives for the better. It's important to have conversations about what is going on and how we can improve the lives of young adults who are fighting this battle. I want to contribute to that conversation and help strive to a better understanding as a whole. I am joining the ride to grow a human being and share my compassion for people across the United States. I want to work together with other compassionate and extraordinary people to meet a common goal and promote a certain way of life.

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!