Shawn Heyland is a student at The University of New Hampshire. In the summer of 2019, he will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore MD to Seattle, WA, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Throughout my life, I have met many people who have been affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly, and remember their stories. I remember classmates who have lost a parent or another family member to cancer. I remember my high school friend being diagnosed at an age that seemed far too young for cancer to strike, yet it did. I remember those who used to share holiday dinners with my family who are no longer with us. The list tragically seems to go on and on. My closest connect is my grandfather who has been diagnosed with prostate, bone, and lymph node cancer.

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

I am riding 4,000 miles this summer for many reasons. Ulman Foundation is an amazing non-profit organization that provides support and community for young adults impacted by cancer. I want to help support their cause and those affected by raising funds for cancer victims and their families. I also want to show my support by spreading awareness across the county over the course of those 4,000 miles. I see this journey as a tribute to all of those I know who are or have been affected by cancer. Another goal of mine is to inspire others to take action and make a difference in the lives of others and the world around them. In a world so big, we can often times feel small and insignificant as individuals but I want my journey to challenge that mentality. By riding those 4,000 miles, I want to be proof that we can all have a positive impact on the world, no matter how big or small our efforts. I'm looking forward to the challenge of going above and beyond my comfort zone. I never imagined I'd be riding my bike across the country and I hope I inspire others to set out on similar journeys of their own. No matter how big or small, we are all capable of making a difference.

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!