Sara Barnett is a junior at Ohio University. In the summer of 2019, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore to San Francisco, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

I don't have much of a connection to the cancer community, my grandmother is a survivor of melanoma but other than that I don't have a connection to the community at all. I chose to join this community on my own. I'm trying my hardest to make a difference. Once day we will cure cancer but for now I'd love to at the very least help someone who's struggling through to make it past one more day.

In this day and age people aren't paying attention to the people around them, they aren't noticing the battles their neighbors are going through. They don't think about cancer they aren't paying attention to the possibility of cancer, until it hits them or their family. While cancer has not directly impacted my life and it hasn't taken anyone important to me away from me. I am in amazed by the individuals fighting each day to survive. While I have taken part in walks/runs for cancer and I've raised money for cancer research, I have never even been close to being involved to this scale. I hope to make a true difference and inspire others to do the same.

Cancer is strong. People are stronger.

Why are you traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Foundation?

I've always been the type of person to tell myself I can't do it and not even try at all. But, I've finally decided that it's time to try something new, it's time to push my body to new limits. All while raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation. I chose to shave my head and donate all of my hair this past March and I want to continue to make a difference in the cancer community and help people. When I came across 4K for Cancer, I was immediately intrigued. I had the chance to help change peoples lives all while getting the chance of a lifetime to travel across America and meet a group of people that will end up being my life long friends after this experience. 

2019 marks the 18th 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 Foundation (Ulman). Interested in joining the fight? Apply to be a rider or runner a at www.4kforcancer.org! 

CHALLENGE:

Over 72,000 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:

Ulman Foundation changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, Ulman 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.

Ulman House - This year Ulman will open 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!