Jacob Laws is a junior at Loyola University, New Orleans. In the summer of 2018, he will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore, MD to San Francisco, CA, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. 

What is your connection to the cancer community?

I have had close connections with the cancer community from a young age. I experienced the passing of two great grandparents, one grandparent, and two dear childhood friends. These are some of my saddest memories. I felt so helpless knowing there was nothing I could do. I soon realized I would never see them again. Never laugh with them, never see their smile, never experience life with them again. That realization was a sobering experience. Rather than focus on the loss, I decided to celebrate their lives and, in addition, the lives of those who have beaten cancer. I have two aunts that survived, one with skin cancer and one with breast cancer. The one with breast cancer had a miracle baby after being told she would never concieve again. That is why I want to ride. I want to do my part to help give someone the chance of survival. The chance to exercise their right to live and find happiness. 

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

I have experienced cancer's effects on families. I have had loved ones torn away simply because cancer claimed them. But, I am fortunate enough to experience the health often denied to others. With this, I am making it my priority to do what I can to raise money for the cancer community. This program gives me the opportunity to combine two of my passions: biking and helping others. I am excited for this opportunity to ride in support of those who have suffered from cancer. Specifically, to support one of my childhood friends who passed away just before her high school graduation.

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!