Rachele Cerrone is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh. In the summer of 2017 she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49 day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco, CA to New York, NY to raise funds and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.
What is your connection to the cancer community?
In the past 19 years of my life, I have been indirectly impacted and connected to the cancer community. I grew up surrounded by my mom, who is a nurse; my dad, who dedicated his time to raise awareness for the American Cancer Society through bi-annual bicycle rides; and my brother, who has been on the committee of THON, a dance marathon supporting children's cancer, for the past two years and who is a 4K alumni of 2016 Team New York. Being surrounded by such influential individuals has kept me involved and aware of the cancer community.
In the past 19 years of my life, I have watched my friends, peers and community fight cancer and survive. Although some individuals have sadly lost their fight to cancer, it's humbling to see the massive support that the cancer community raises. With this being said, I am always looking for more opportunities to become more involved and raise awareness for such a humbling and inspiring community.
Why are you traveling over 4000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults?
After hearing about my brother's experience with the 4K in 2016, I immediately knew that I wanted to a part of 4K family myself. The atmosphere as Team New York crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and finished their journey was indescribable. It was an incredible experience to watch my brother and his team finish their journey as one. With this being said, being accepted to the 4K is an honor in itself. This opportunity is something that is truly bigger than myself and bigger than most of us. This opportunity will allow me to be better connected with the cancer community through fundraising, awareness and interactions with cancer patients.
Running with 29 other individuals for 49 days is an opportunity that will result in a humbling experience. Being a runner throughout high school and parts of college allowed me to appreciate the sport. Even more, I believe that this opportunity to be a part of the 4K will allow me to fall in love with this sport to a new level that isn't comparable to anything else. The 4K will be an experience that is humbling, rewarding, and something that is bigger than most of us. I am honored to be a part of such an inspiring team and community that is selfless and aiding to one another and to surrounding cancer communities. I am beyond excited to see how the summer unfolds and the opportunities that will come as a result of the exhaustion, service and involvement with the cancer community, the Ulman Cancer Fund and the 4K for Cancer.
2017 marks the 16th 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 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!
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Erin Brazil | 08/22/2017 | $20.00 | Bob Freed | 07/31/2017 | $50.00 | Following in Dad's footsteps! Congrats! | Tom Jones | 07/10/2017 | $100.00 | What a way to spend your summer! It is an adventure for such a worthy cause. I thank you and my family and Hannah thank you for all your efforts and for dedicating a run to Hannah!! You are setting such a great example for others to follow and in our book are a hero | Donna Wandler | 06/28/2017 | $100.00 | Tina Marie Nagle | 06/27/2017 | $25.00 | Robert Viohl | 06/24/2017 | $100.00 | Thanks, Rachel! The family of Jennifer Viohl is very appreciative of your efforts to fight cancer. | Rosie Browne | 06/19/2017 | $100.00 | Rachele, I hope to watch your journey across the US. Have a great time. My best, Rosie Browne (Big Ride Across America 2008) | Kathy Pearson | 05/13/2017 | $50.00 | We love you and are so proud of you for supporting a great cause. Enjoy the experience. We are with you every step of the way! | Anonymous Friend | 05/07/2017 | $45.00 | bracelet $$$ | Denise J Knittle | 05/05/2017 | $40.00 | Mark Steidinger | 04/30/2017 | $100.00 | Good Luck Rachele, Thanks for supporting such an important cause. We wish you much success and memorable experiences along the way! The Steidinger Family | Kelly L Fornauf | 04/28/2017 | $25.00 | Rachele Cerrone | 04/27/2017 | $257.00 | #JOINTHERACE long sleeve fundraiser | Brain, Deanne, Jamie Heath | 04/26/2017 | $50.00 | Kathleen Phillips | 04/25/2017 | $40.00 | Creative Kids North Child Development Center | 04/25/2017 | $250.00 | Charlotte Krupa | 04/21/2017 | $40.00 | Hilton Family | 04/14/2017 | $50.00 | Best of Luck Rachele!! | Emily Phillips | 04/12/2017 | $20.00 | #H2Rachele!!!!!! | Anonymous Friend | 04/12/2017 | $15.00 | So proud and excited for you Rachelle!! | Samantha Shablin | 04/12/2017 | $10.00 | Jan Floyd | 04/11/2017 | $50.00 | Lots of love from the Floyd family...we will keep you and your team in our prayers! | Joanne Rodgers | 04/11/2017 | $100.00 | Michaela Roberts | 04/10/2017 | $30.00 | Jason Taylor | 04/10/2017 | $235.00 | All money from Pitt Business Change Fundraiser for 4k for Cancer | Rachele Cerrone | 04/09/2017 | $30.00 | #jointherace long sleeves | Emily Midyan | 04/09/2017 | $25.00 | Shirt + extra <3 | L Herzon, Inc | 04/09/2017 | $50.00 | Debra Walicki | 04/08/2017 | $50.00 | Michael Salvo | 04/07/2017 | $50.00 | Good luck on your journey across the country! | Amy Duffy | 04/07/2017 | $10.00 | Sharon Shaughnessy | 04/06/2017 | $100.00 | Congratulation in advance for being such a fine young women and picking such a wonderful charity! Good Luck! | Miranda Salvo | 04/05/2017 | $15.00 | Pam Harshey | 04/02/2017 | $25.00 | Best of luck Rachele as you embark on this journey and in your support of such a worthwhile cause. | Suzanne H Wertz | 04/01/2017 | $50.00 | Rachele Cerrone | 03/31/2017 | $215.00 | University of Pittsburgh's Phi Sigma Phi Fraternity - Penny Wars Fundraiser for the Ulman Cancer Fund | Sharon Mueller | 03/31/2017 | $100.00 | Best of Luck. What a wonderful way to spend your summer. See you in the Fall. | Bruce Nicholson | 03/29/2017 | $100.00 | Rachele, What a wonderful cause you are supporting. Best of luck with your journey as you run across the country and spread awareness about the Ulman Cancer Fund. We look forward to hearing about your experience later this summer. Fondly, Bruce and Karen | Jean E. Reese | 03/27/2017 | $25.00 | Allen Davis | 03/26/2017 | $100.00 | Good luck! | Larry Wiersch | 03/26/2017 | $100.00 | Good Luck Rachele, great cause. | Christopher Stitzel | 03/26/2017 | $20.00 | Good luck, Rachele! | Jim Andresen | 03/26/2017 | $50.00 | Jason Kirka | 03/25/2017 | $100.00 | Have fun! Hope to see lots of pictures! xo | Dustin Hutcheson | 03/25/2017 | $50.00 | GO Rachele! We can't wait to see you cross the finish line in NYC! | John & Deborah Romig | 03/23/2017 | $35.00 | B. Alden | 03/23/2017 | $20.00 | Judy Hankee | 03/21/2017 | $25.00 | Anonymous Friend | 03/20/2017 | $20.00 | Good luck Rachele! | Joann Mertz | 03/20/2017 | $25.00 | You go Girl!!!!! Luv the Mertz's | Bonita L Hoefler | 03/20/2017 | $25.00 | Kathy S Kemmerer-Tagliaboschi | 03/17/2017 | $100.00 | Jill Fisher | 03/13/2017 | $25.00 | Douglas Mays | 03/13/2017 | $50.00 | Go Rachele! | Tony Deutsch | 03/12/2017 | $25.00 | Run Rachele Run !! | Kaitlin Tarconish | 03/12/2017 | $50.00 | Good luck and have a wonderful time! Jeff & Kaitie | Robert D Kemmerer | 03/12/2017 | $20.00 | Clara Spotts | 03/12/2017 | $100.00 | Bob Dumke | 03/11/2017 | $25.00 | Run Hard, Run Far, Run Fun | Rachele Cerrone | 03/10/2017 | $63.00 | TY Bagel Bunch...bracelet sales | Rachele Cerrone | 03/10/2017 | $38.00 | GSS: 4 cents for Cancer Fundraiser | Rachele Cerrone | 03/10/2017 | $224.00 | Bracelet Fund Raiser | Ronald D Moak | 03/03/2017 | $50.00 | Katie Denshaw | 02/27/2017 | $3.00 | Josh Halsey | 02/27/2017 | $3.00 | Jason Taylor | 02/27/2017 | $3.00 | Madison Hahn | 02/27/2017 | $7.00 | ILYYYYY (enter for raffle pls | Andrew Kunselman | 02/26/2017 | $3.00 | Asher Williams | 02/26/2017 | $5.00 | Isabella Tessitore | 02/26/2017 | $5.00 | #jointherace | Chipotle | 02/24/2017 | $156.00 | Alyssa Schaefer | 02/23/2017 | $3.00 | Go Rachele! | Anonymous Friend | 02/21/2017 | $100.00 | Ann Marie Liadis | 02/20/2017 | $3.00 | Amanda Platt | 02/20/2017 | $3.00 | Gillian Schriever | 02/19/2017 | $10.00 | GO RACHELLE GO! I am so proud how you are taking your running passion and using it to support the cancer community. Good luck with the 4K–I will be there in spirit every step of the way! | Marie Repko | 02/04/2017 | $25.00 | Anonymous Friend | 02/01/2017 | $100.00 | William Hankee | 01/27/2017 | $100.00 | Go Girl!! | Katie Corey | 01/25/2017 | $15.00 | Good Luck! | Blair Lewis | 01/21/2017 | $10.00 | Keep doing amazing things! | Gwen & Allen Spotts | 01/16/2017 | $25.00 | Cynthia D Friedman | 01/13/2017 | $100.00 | Have a great experience! | Aida Behler | 01/12/2017 | $100.00 | Good luck on your journey. | Rebecca Metzger | 01/12/2017 | $50.00 | Ryan Cerrone | 01/12/2017 | $53.00 | Merry Christmas plus I sold one bracelet | Trisha Nagle | 01/12/2017 | $25.00 | I'm so excited to hear about all the adventures you will be having on this journey! So proud of you, love you!! | Sheila, Scott & Brad Nagle | 01/12/2017 | $25.00 | Good luck Rachele!! It's such a wonderful thing you are doing to raise money for such an important cause! We'll miss you while you're gone! | Overstrom Family | 01/04/2017 | $50.00 | Good Luck Rachele! Love, The Overstroms | Anonymous Friend | 01/04/2017 | $5.00 | You don't know me, but you were very nice, so here's some help for your mission. | Kathy Gallagher | 01/04/2017 | $100.00 | Good luck! | Anonymous Friend | 12/30/2016 | $100.00 | God Bless! | Eileen Tarconish | 12/27/2016 | $100.00 | Good Luck, Rachele! We love & support you! Aunt Eileen & Uncle Joe | Anonymous Friend | 12/24/2016 | $34.00 | bagel bunch (new tripoli) event donations | Aaron Cerrone | 12/24/2016 | $100.00 | Incredibly happy and proud to support Rachele and the fight against cancer. | Tyler Lu | 12/22/2016 | $25.00 | You can do thing where you put the leg in front of the other leg. | Michelle Stelmack | 12/21/2016 | $20.00 | Rachele Cerrone | 12/17/2016 | $100.00 | Gwen & Allen Spotts | 12/15/2016 | $50.00 | Amanda Graber | 12/14/2016 | $10.00 | Anonymous Friend | 12/12/2016 | $50.00 | Michaela Roberts | 12/12/2016 | $50.00 | Love you gf!! | Madison Hahn | 12/12/2016 | $10.00 | Love you so much!!! H2P :) | Carly Pierce | 12/12/2016 | $100.00 | Have fun Rachele! Can't wait to see your cool Instagram posts. Glad I could help for a good cause :) | Clarence T. Mickey | 12/12/2016 | $25.00 | Natalie Hilton | 12/11/2016 | $15.00 | Carol Priest | 12/10/2016 | $10.00 | Good Luck Rachael. | Sam Shields | 12/10/2016 | $25.00 | Good luck!! | Anonymous Friend | 12/09/2016 | $10.00 | Run fast! | Anonymous Friend | 12/05/2016 | $10.00 | Deanna Felicissimo | 12/03/2016 | $10.00 | Great cause! Good Luck Cerrone! | Floor 8 Dudes | 12/02/2016 | $10.00 | Good luck | Hailey Heining | 12/02/2016 | $25.00 | Katie Lutz | 12/02/2016 | $10.00 | Anonymous Friend | 12/01/2016 | $7.00 | Anonymous Friend | 11/29/2016 | $100.00 | Anonymous Friend | 11/29/2016 | $10.00 | Good luck running! GSS Love and Mine, Jordan (: | Dylan Selbst | 11/28/2016 | $10.00 | Rachele Cerrone | 11/19/2016 | $100.00 |
| Total | $6,300.00 | ||