Nathan Fanzone is a graduate of Bucknell University. In the summer of 2017, 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 Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Cancer took my grandfather, Ranie Sturba, when I was about 11 years old. At that time I didn't know very much about cancer, but what I did know was how unfortunate we were to lose such a great member of our family. My grandpa was, like so many in his generation, a jack of all trades; he knew about cars, boats, carpentry, cooking, and hunting just to name a few. But most of all he was an amazing role model to me - he loved our family, he loved being outdoors, and he was a hard worker. Now that I'm older, I have the opportunity through the 4K to raise awareness, spread hope, and improve the lives of those impacted by cancer.
 

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

To me, the 4K is a ride that represents solidarity and perseverance both within ourselves and to the cancer community. As a team, we ride together - we climb steep hills, we endure extreme heat, and when we meet an obstacle we rely on each other for inspiration. Similarly, as a charity group, we embody the idea that no one should face any challenge alone. We stand together with the cancer community and inspire hope in those who can't easily find it. Being able to make face-to-face connections throughout this trip will make our impact so much more tangible, and I look forward to bringing smiles to the faces of everyone we meet.

2017 marks the 16th 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 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!