Jane Bleicher is a senior at George Mason University. In the summer of 2017, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore to Portland, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

As an active member within my collegiate Greek community, I actively participate with various organizations and their annual philanthropic events. These include many breast cancer awareness programs, such as Think Pink GMU basketball game, Hoops for Hope, and 'Big Man on Campus' competition, all to help raise $25,000 this past year. Additionally, as a Community Health major, my education at GMU has taught me about the internal and external impacts of cancer. Thus, my philanthropic and educational experience have fostered my connection to the cancer community, and my desire to continue contributing to research and fundraising efforts.

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

I want my first summer as a college graduate to be one of the most challenging yet fulfilling summers of my life. This 4K will teach me a lot about teamwork, dedication, perseverance, and altruism, all while tying together everything I have learned in college. As a community health major, I have worked my last 4 years toward bettering other people's lives and health, and this 4K will combine that along with my passion for traveling and fitness. It also serves as my first big step in getting actively involved in the cancer community, as this will be a life-changing experience and I hope it is the first of many with UCF. 

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!