Many of you know me, my story and what I’m about.  For those that do not, I was diagnosed with cancer 4 years ago.  When I was diagnosed I was flying high on life.  I was a 27 year old Captain in the Army in the peak physical condition, recently engaged and looking forward to starting a family and honestly didn’t have a single complaint.  It all came crashing down very quickly after my diagnosis.  My engagement ended, I found myself alone, lost and confused.  In all that darkness I somehow slowly clawed my way out with the help of Ulman and so many others.  My cancer is very rare, neuroendocrine cancer, and at an advance stage as it was metastatic and had spread to much of my upper body.  Since 2014 when I was diagnosed, I’ve gone through chemo 3 different times, immunotherapy, and currently on my 2nd clinical trial.  In the 4.5 years of having cancer, I’ve had a total of 5-6 months of no treatment so you can see it’s been nearly nonstop treatment.  But that’s life, it could be worse, I’m still here fighting and that’s all you can do.  From my dealings with other patients, family of patients and cancer communities such as Ulman, they’ve all helped me become a better person through it all.  I still have many weak moments I try to hide or downplay but I’d be lying if life is always as great as it seems.  But I’ve seen friends go through much worse so it’s hard to complain and the memory of friends that I’ve lost help me keep things in perspective.

This will be my 3 time participating in Key to Keys as it’s become a big part of my life and connection to the world.  I’ve made some great friends through this event and it’s a way I’m able to give back to the Ulman Foundation that has done so much for me.  Please consider donating to my fundraiser that will sponsor me on this experience.  Thank you and God Bless!

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!