Nicholas Phelan is a senior at Northeastern University. 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 Seattle, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

When I was 18, my aunt passed away after a long battle with cancer. During those years, I saw first-hand the emotional toll the disease can take on a person and their family. My aunt was a dedicated special education teacher, and frequently watched my brothers and I while both my parents worked. Her generous nature and sense of humor had a huge influence on my upbringing. During my sophomore year of college, I took an internship at Massachusetts General Hospital, working full time to develop a diagnostic imaging agent for breast cancer and prostate cancer. Through this experience I learned even more about cancer biology and the processes of various cancer treatments.

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

I have seen the damage that cancer can cause to individuals and their families. Being a rider with 4K will give me the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of people affected by cancer across the country. Providing direct support to those in need during the ride is an unbelievable chance to help so many people in such a short amount of time, while also taking on the physical challenge of biking across the country.

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!