Rachel Perry is a senior at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In the summer of 2018, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49-day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco to New York City, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community? 

Almost everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another. My connection to the cancer community is through my grandmother. She was a three time cancer survivor with a beautiful fighting spirit. She passed away this past May and is greatly missed by all. My grandmother was incredibly strong and never let cancer or any other adversity bring her down. She taught me the true meaning of strength and resiliency, two traits that I hope to share with other cancer patients along the 4k route. I also have several close family friends who have bravely battled and beat cancer. Their stories and courageous fights have inspired me to assist the cancer community in any way that I can.

Why are you traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults? 

I am running 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults in order to honor those I know who have battled with cancer. I hope to share their strength and resiliency with the people I meet along the way. I also want to bring awareness to the fight that cancer patients and their loved ones go through. Cancer can be extremely isolating, especially for young adults. I want to show cancer patients that they are never fighting alone. They have a community of people supporting them throughout their battle. Running is something I am very passionate about. I am thrilled to be able to utilize my hobby to bring awareness and support to individuals battling with cancer.

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!