Rachel Armstrong is a senior at Georgetown Univertsity. In the summer of 2018 she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49 day, 4,000+ mile run from San Francisco to Baltimore raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Multiple members of my family have battled with, or passed away from cancer. Before I was born, my grandmother lost her life at the age of 57 from lung cancer that metastasized to her brain. Luckily, my father and other family members have shared stories and memories about her that provide me with a glimpse into the loving and caring person that she was. Every time I hear these stories, it makes me wish I could’ve had the opportunity to meet her and get to know her. My aunt also lost her battle with lung cancer. I will never forget the last day that I saw her and the love she exuded, even in the most painful of times. She had a terrific sense of humor and a laugh that was contagious. Often my babysitter for my parents when I was young, I remember the fun times we had together and how excited I’d get when I knew she coming to my house. My other grandmother passed away from pancreatic cancer a few years ago. I miss her greatly, but cherish the many wonderful memories I created with her. In addition to the personal family losses from cancer, I’ve participated in several volunteer fundraising activities including Relay for Life and Cycle for Survival.

Why are you traveling over 4000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults?

Almost everyone has been impacted by cancer in some way or another. I believe that no one should miss out on meeting grandparents, siblings, parents, aunts and uncles, or friends due to cancer. I want to run 4,000 miles this summer to help raise awareness so that the pain and suffering of cancer can be a thing of the past. I believe in a world that is freed from the miseries of cancer. I am running in honor of three loving, beautiful women that left us too soon.

2018 marks the 17th 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 Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF). Interested in joining the fight? Apply to be a rider or runner a at www.4kforcancer.org! 

CHALLENGE:

Over 70,000 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:

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, the Ulman Cancer Fund 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.

UCF House - This year UCF broke ground on 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!