John-Hanson Machado is a researcher, runner, seeker, & sunset connoisseur pursuing graduate school at The George Washington University. In the summer of 2019, he will be traveling with a group of young adults on a 49-day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco to Boston raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

Why are you connected to the cancer community?

The second most courageous thing I've done was pausing my undergraduate career in Washington, DC to help take care of mom back home in Plymouth, MA. When research professors and doctors at Dana Farber and Harvard Medical School (Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston) felt there were only going to be months left of her life, I let my mom know my intention to take a continuous enrollment status for my undergraduate degree at George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, DC to move back home to Plymouth, MA. I didn't have a plan, though I knew it was the right decision. I found a way to enroll in a course at a local university, worked various restaurant jobs, and helped take care of my mom until the very end. Where the whole ordeal still makes me very sad, I cherish that time I got to be with my mother and opportunity to learn even more about her. Carol Machado passed away from a rare cancer, a sarcoma called gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), November 2014 and I returned to Washington, DC in January 2015 - finishing my undergraduate degree in a typical 4-year span. The most courageous thing I've done is living each day with love since her passing.

Cancer is also the reason why I am close to my cousin. Susan (named after her aunt who died of cancer) moved in with my family while in elementary school in 2001 when her mother became ill with a rare cancer: Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. Doctor's at Massachusetts General Hospital estimated my aunt would have only 90 days to live - she had to undergo one of the first treatments with proton radiation therapy. 18 years later she is still the most lively and optimistic person I admire. My mother, all three of her siblings, my grandfathers (both sides), and step grandfather have all been ill with at least one type of cancer - some killed by the disease.

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

Meeting a group of people who I had little prior knowledge of and enduring a physical challenge together will be a refreshing experience. We will have to rely on each other for encouragement as the miles grow tough. Traveling 4,000 miles will provide the reflective space and time needed to listen to heavy stories on how cancer has impacted so many community members. I want to learn from other young adults, the trials they've faced, and develop relationships to connect the stories to those who tell them. I am hoping, that through this experience, and the community service projects we participate in along the way, I won't feel so alone in struggling with the pain cancer has caused my family and emotional damage I still feel today. Additionally, I'm looking forward to some amazing sunsets!

Sponsorships

I kindly ask you to support young adults impacted by cancer so they don't feel so alone. I will be hosting fundraisers between now and our departure in June. I look forward to seeing many of you on my run home to Massachusetts!

$250 - The name of your choice or your organization's logo will be printed on my hat/or shorts for the duration of our cross-country run

$100 - The name of a loved one who is fighting, fought, or passed from cancer will power my legs by being written on my calf during our cross-country run for at least 2 days, a ribbon the color of your choice with the name of your choice will be displayed at fundraising events (1 in Massachusetts & 1 in Washington, DC)

$50 - A ribbon the color of your choice with the name of your choice will be displayed at both fundraising events (1 in Massachusetts & 1 in Washington, DC)

$30 - A ribbon the color of your choics with the name of your choice will be displayed at the fundraising event of your choice (1 in Massachusetts or 1 in Washington, DC)

Free [always] - Hugs. Inquire within.

Trying to think of someone special to commemorate? Have I ever told you the legend of Carol (Hanson) Machado?

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!