Tayla Conde is a graduate student at Rhode Island College. In the summer of 2019, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49-day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco to Boston, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Cancer took my grandmother before I had the chance to know her. Cancer took the life of a classmate in elementary school. Cancer put a close friend of mine through the fight of his life in high school. Everyone at a point in their life has or will have some sort of connection to the cancer community. I have seen how it effects the patient, the family, the friends, the whole community. With the help of the encounters in my life with those effected by cancer, I saw it as my purpose to pursue a career as a nurse with a focus in pediatric oncology. I have a passion for being a part of the cancer community in a positive way. I want to be a part of the lives of all of those going through this tough time. I work to put a smile on the faces of those who need help keeping their faith and provide the support necessary for the patient and their family during their fight.

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

I believe that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to as long as you fight hard enough for it. Every individual has the power to make change happen. I wake up every day knowing I will give my all to whatever I do and find a way to give. Give love, give hope, give support, give happiness. Give because every human matters and no one deserves to feel alone. Especially during a battle with cancer or any fatal illness. I will never let someone fight alone and that is why I am embarking on this amazing, journey among other young souls looking to make a change in the world.

Life is full of change and adventure. Change is what keeps us alive. I have the courage to drive change and adapt to what that change brings. When it comes to being passionate about something, I will fight for what I want. I am always going to fight for a change that can benefit many. I am committed to my passions and committed to making change and bettering the lives of those that cross my path. Whether that change be within my family, my town, my workplace or, at a larger level, within the country or world, it is a beautiful thing that can bring such a positive impact.

What is "living" if you don't want to better yourself, your community and the world around you? There is always room for improvement and I live my life always looking for a way to better things in my life. I know I can be better. I know things in my community can be better. I know this world can be better. So I am always thinking of the ways I can make "better" happen.  

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!