Tabby Hearn is a freshman at BYUI. In the summer of 2018, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco, CA to New York, NY raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

I have many friends and relatives who have either been diagnosed with cancer or knows someone who has. One person in particular that stands out to me most is a 14 year old boy. This boy remains one of my biggest inspirations to this day. He was diagnosed with cancer at age 5. The tumor is inoperable so it  can only be “managed” therefore, he will need to have chemo throughout his life. He is partly blind in his left eye as a result of the tumor and he will need to take growth hormone injections, as well, for many years to come. Today, his tumor is stable, however he will have to have yearly MRI’s to ensure his tumor’s stability. This child has had to bear so much from continuous chemotherapy treatments, to being bullied at school because he was “too short.” Even with everything that has been thrown at him from such a young age, he continues to stay positive and make the most out of life. I met him when he was only 10 years old and I remember being so amazed at how mature and understanding he was for someone so young. This incredible and resilient child taught me not to dwell on things but to live your life not only fully, but happily. He has shown me how to always be optimistic even when the trials of life are at their peak. His entire family has helped me realize just how important it is to be grateful for what we have and to always have faith that the rest will turn out in our favor. I am eternally thankful to have had the opportunity to meet and get to know this family as well as I do. Their inner strength, faith and determination has inspired so many and even continues to inspire people today.

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

I was scrolling down my Facebook news feed when I came across an advertisement for the Ulman Cancer Fund. I was very moved by the organization's mission to raise awareness, money for those and their families who have been impacted by cancer, by having teams of people run across America. I knew this was something I just had to be a part of.  A few of my favorite things to do are: running, travelling and meeting new people. Running across America with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is a wonderful way to combine all of my favorite things. Not only will I be able to travel across America and see amazing scenery but, I will meet new people, make new friends, and run through some very cool places, all while raising money for a great cause!  This is one opportunity I just could not pass up!

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!