Aspen Cote is a junior at University of Maine at Augusta - Bangor. 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?

A little over two years ago, a very young and innocent community member was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. As part of a close-knit community, she was not fighting her battle alone, but at the time, I felt there was only so much I could do to help. After she passed away, I made a promise that from that day forward, I would do everything in my power to support, both financially and emotionally, all those going through the fight. To be a positive difference and a beacon of hope in the lives of those who are most in need is one of the greatest gifts we are given as humans, and I thank the terrible grips of cancer for teaching me that.

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

I've decided to travel 4,000 miles with the Ulman Foundation in order to be part of something greater than myself and support the thousands of individuals taking on the greatest fight of their lives. Having the ability to take on a challenge so great is a blessing that is so easily overlooked, therefore, I've chosen to accept the challenge and push myself to new limits. Through a humbling experience such as this, I am convinced my teammates and I will grow as humans, and will be given countless opportunities to be the difference in the lives of those around us!

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!