Grace Kelley is a freshman at University of Texas. 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 New York, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My grandma died of colon cancer when I was eight years old. My mother has had various forms of skin cancer and regularly undergoes surgery to have cancerous spots removed. I have personally had three topical surgeries to remove cancerous spots on my skin within the past four years. This being said, cancer has very directly affected my family and myself, but I also have known a few friends that have battled cancer, going through surgery or chemotherapy. Facing these difficulties growing up and seeing my friends go through such tough battles in high school, has opened my eyes to various forms of cancer and it’s devastating effects.

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

I would like to be a runner with the 4K to make a contribution to this good cause through both bringing awareness and raising funds to support those affected. Traveling is one of my passions, so I am excited about seeing parts of the country that I have not yet had the opportunity to visit. I look forward to meeting people and making new friends that also have the desire to better themselves through serving and spending their summer solely in honor of others. Though this summer will be challenging, I can not wait to see the ways in which my team and I will grow and support the Ulman Foundation!

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!