Carly Solow is a graduate student at Washington University in St. Louis. 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?

Both of my paternal grandparents passed due to cancer when I was very young. I cherish the memories I have with them, but can't help but to wish they were here today. As a teenager, my teammates and I rallied behind our teammate, Amanda Post, when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Amanda was the girl who kicked butt at everything she did, both on and off the field, and she brought us all together. When my father was diagnosed with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, a rare blood cancer, it was difficult to comprehend. But, despite his health struggles, he continues to put others before himself every day. This ride is for all of them, and countless others.

Now, as a future physical therapist, my relationship to the cancer community has evolved. Suddenly I was standing alongside the medical team, describing goals for therapy in turn. It has given me a completely new perspective on what patients experience, and how I may be part of that journey. I have learned to research, motivate, empathize, and, some days, back down. I'm using this ride to remind others at we are all part of this community and we can all do something to support it.

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

I am riding over 4,000 miles to support those who are fighting cancer, honor those who have beat it, and remember those who have passed. This ride provides the opportunity to bring resources to young adults and their families, interact with patients, and share inspiring stories. As a team, we will rely on each other, enduring a physically and mentally challenging journey, while spreading awareness throughout the communities we visit. Young adults can face a unique set of challenges, but no one has to face them on their own.

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!