Leah Stevens is a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University. 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?

In February 2018, I was getting ready to graduate from the Cleveland Institute of Music. My flute auditions for graduate schools had gone well, I was finishing up my degree requirements, I was working and teaching, and I was training for the Cleveland Marathon. On February 28th, I had a high point of my flute career, soloing with the Cleveland Institute of Music orchestra. The following day, my parents broke the news to me that the reason my grandma had not attended is because she was too sick to travel, more sick than I could have ever guessed. She had been diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer. My grandmother and godmother, a second mother to me, “Grammy” was embarking on the fight of her life.

Devastated, I traveled every week between NY and Cleveland, spending all the time I could with her while she underwent intensive treatments, her health declining rapidly. I struggled to finish my degree, to practice, to run, to function. But, as a testament to her strength through her battle, I continued to train for the marathon, and I did it. Sporting a jersey with her name on in, I ran 26.2, and she was able to stream it from NY. A Cleveland news outlet even ran a story on me where I spoke of her as the strongest person I know. To her, it was my greatest gift. The next day I graduated, and soon after I returned to NY to be at her side, a time I am blessed to have been able to spend with her. We sang songs, laughed, and shared in the most special moments.

The cancer spread, and a week later, on June 26th, she passed in her home, surrounded by her loving family. I miss her more and more each day, and hope to aid in the fight against the terrible disease that took her too soon.

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

Before she passed, she told me about our special bond. She told me, “Leah, when you are hurting, I am hurting. And when you are happy, I am so, so happy.” Moving forward, I am determined to heal and live happily, so that she, wherever she may be, will feel it too. It is an honor to know I will travel the country to provide support and service to young people battling cancer.

For me, this trip is a way to honor Grammy by living as my best self. She had a way of bringing people together, making them laugh until they cry. She was loving and nurturing. At 79, she was still young at heart- constantly singing, dancing, gardening, playing piano, and painting, just to name a few things. She lived her life filled with humor, a contagious positive energy, a love for everything she did, and absolutely no regrets.

The immense physical journey of a cross-country trip is representative of the battles cancer patients face each and every day. Traveling and listening to the stories of others is the best way to gain a better world view and see life from various perspectives. To embark on an adventure of such a grand scale and to connect with others in the most humanizing way is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

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!