Josie Sanning is a high school senior. 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?

My sophomore year in high school my dad and my sister were both diagnosed with carcinoid cancer. This unexpected news not only exposed me to a whole new world of hopsital visits and doctor appointments but it also exposed me to the importance of community and strength while walking beside someone fighting their battle. The love that so many people gave my family through this time encouraged me to be that light in someone else’s battle . I am not only running for my dad and my sister, but also for those that lack the love and support needed to keep fighting.

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

Cancer can not only be hard on individuals but it also affects families tremendously. Running 4K for Cancer is a challenge for myself, but nothing compared to what families affected by cancer are facing each day. I think it is very important for those families to be surrounded by community and support and 4K is just that. I am running to not only support my dad and my sister, but also to create a more positive and loving environment for those still fighting their battle.

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!