Liana Edwards is a junior at the University of Vermont. 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 Portland, OR raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Though no one in my immediate family has dealt with cancer, a close friend of mine, Emily, lost her mother, Maura, to cancer about three years ago. Maura was like an aunt to me. She was extremely generous, selfless, and fun to spend time with in general. Since I was close friends with Emily, who is my age, our mothers were good friends as well. I have fond memories of skiing, hiking, and countless other outdoor activities with Emily and Maura. Maura was a strong fighter the entire time I knew her. She would always put others before herself, even when she was not feeling well. Emily and I are still good friends, and I will never forget how much Maura meant to me when I was growing up.

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

I am a rider with the 4K because I have a passion for biking and the outdoors, among other activities including running and hiking. Since I was a kid, I have always loved going on bike rides, especially with my dad. We biked to school together when I was in elementary school, and since I lived close by to my high school, I biked to school during the warmer months. My love for biking increased once I started college. Having a group of friends who share my same interests makes it easy to get outside every day. I also have a passion for travel. I have had summer jobs out west in the past, and I love visiting relatives who live in other parts of the US. I have considered biking cross-country in the past, but I never thought I would be able to do it. Now that I am older and am passionate about long-distance biking and running, this challenge excites me. I would love to help communities across the US, while having an amazing adventure at the same time.

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!