In the summer of 2019, Tai Melendy will be biking with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4,000+ mile bike ride from Baltimore Maryland to San Francisco California, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for young adults who have had their lives impacted by cancer.
What is my connection to the cancer community?
Like most families, mine has unfortunately been impacted by cancer. I lost my grandfather to cancer when I was only twelve and my step-grandmother just last year. There are many times when I wish they were still with us. It’s been particularly hard for the people they left behind.
My great aunt is also currently battling cancer. Although she has luckily been able to fight it back, it is still really challenging for her and her loved ones.
Why am I traveling 4,000+ miles this summer for the Ulman Foundation?
I want these students and their families to know that they are not alone in their fight against cancer. I have been through difficult times myself. I received neurosurgery when I was 16 for epileptic seizures and can relate to going through a medical ordeal that felt hopeless at times. Now that I have overcome my epilepsy, I want to give back and let these students know that they are not alone in their fight.
How can you best contribute?
I am raising funds on behalf of the Ulman Foundation from individual contributors like both you and I so together we can help make a difference in the lives of students affected by cancer and to let them know that no one should have to face cancer alone.
Cancer changes lives, so can you!
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!
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Teresa Pacheco | 08/16/2019 | $20.00 | I saw your team in our way to Lake Tahoe and I was amazed to see what your team does. I asked for information and i was given a bracelet and a business card with info to donate. I really hope you reach your goal. | Wendy Kerr | 08/10/2019 | $25.00 | I met your Mom at Pt Richmond Music Night and wanted to make a donation to your cause. I just lost a brother-in-law to cancer. Thank you for doing this! | Anna Engel | 07/14/2019 | $40.00 | My cousin and I met you at Chautauqua park in Boulder, CO, thanks for sharing your mission, very impressive! | Verdaguer Family | 07/13/2019 | $10.00 | We are proud of you Tai! Thanks for inviting us to support you on this effort. Keep us posted on your experience. Your mom should have our email address. Good luck! --Verdaguer family | Karen Robinson | 07/11/2019 | $25.00 | Anonymous Friend | 06/09/2019 | $100.00 | We're all behind you Tai. | Frances Kolenik | 05/29/2019 | $200.00 | Thank you for doing this!All of us at Drive-by Pies are wishing you great weather and no flat tires! Have a great time,we will have lots of pie for you when you get back! | Sarah Melendy | 05/23/2019 | $100.00 | Tai, you are an inspiration! This is going to be life changing experience for you. I’m so proud of you!!❤️ | Laura Walters | 05/19/2019 | $40.00 | Thanks Tai for doing this. I wish you all the best. Laura | One Heart | 05/16/2019 | $100.00 | Bob Williamson | 05/08/2019 | $50.00 | Way to go Tai! | Michele M David | 05/05/2019 | $25.00 | Jay Melendy | 04/24/2019 | $20.40 | Given by Dave Hurley | Nancy Clark | 04/23/2019 | $25.00 | Austin Gallant | 04/20/2019 | $20.00 | Keep up the good work! I'm super excited for you and the summer you're about to have! I'm here for any questions. -PDX '18 | Lisa Perry-Wood | 04/16/2019 | $120.00 | Good Luck, Tai, from First Parish in Brookline. | Doug Rand | 04/13/2019 | $25.00 | Good luck on your trip Tai! | Bhaji Illuminati | 04/08/2019 | $50.00 | Good luck Tai. Great cause! | Ann Dinsmoor | 04/04/2019 | $25.00 | Good luck, Tai, from Karla and Ann! | Jay Melendy | 04/03/2019 | $50.00 | Given by Jim McElroy | Madeline FIne | 04/02/2019 | $25.00 | Peddling your butt off is a wonderful experience especially when done with a group/team. Enjoy the challenge -enjoy the ride. | Thomas Melendy | 04/02/2019 | $50.00 | Good luck with your ride! | Jay Melendy | 04/02/2019 | $20.00 | Given by Kerry Sangster | Meredith Parsons | 04/01/2019 | $100.00 | Great way to help the cause! Thanks so much, Thai | Ed Parsons | 03/31/2019 | $50.00 | Good luck, Tai! | Meredith Parsons | 03/30/2019 | $50.00 | Way to go Tai! | Margo Collett | 03/30/2019 | $100.00 | Benjamin Davis | 03/25/2019 | $50.00 | Thank you for riding! You inspire me | Nathan Freitas | 03/24/2019 | $25.00 | Ride like the wind! | Deane Coady | 03/24/2019 | $50.00 | Morrey McElroy | 03/17/2019 | $25.00 | I'm so proud of you Tai. This will be a such a meaningful experience for all of us. Love you. | Lisa Bell | 03/16/2019 | $20.00 | Good luck! May God bless you in your endeavor!! We met at the clean energy protest in Boston (students). | VJ Divine | 03/12/2019 | $50.00 | Good work man, best of luck | Sue Kalt | 03/10/2019 | $25.00 | Go Tai! | Doug Calhoun | 02/24/2019 | $20.00 | Paul Melendy | 02/23/2019 | $100.00 | Proud of your dedication. | Vicki Glass | 02/18/2019 | $100.00 | Tai, we are all so proud of what you are doing for others. | Jay Melendy | 02/12/2019 | $100.00 | Thomas Melendy | 02/12/2019 | $100.00 | Good luck reaching your goal and your destination! | Kimberly Glass | 02/10/2019 | $150.00 | Way to go Tai. Can't wait to follow your progress. | Jay Melendy | 02/07/2019 | $69.60 | Lisa Perry-Wood | 01/20/2019 | $50.00 | Thanks, Tai. | Jeff Cadow | 01/07/2019 | $50.00 | Good luck, Tai. Thank you for doing this. | Lisa Perry-Wood | 12/31/2018 | $40.00 | Thanks again, Tai! | PHILIP FILLEUL | 12/30/2018 | $150.00 | Here, Tai ... Wish it were more! From Phil and Suzann, neighbors and friends of Ed and Meredith | Lisa Perry-Wood | 12/24/2018 | $40.00 | Thank you, Tai! | Jay Melendy | 11/21/2018 | $50.00 | Given by Jane Walker through Facebook fundraiser | Jay Melendy | 11/21/2018 | $117.00 | Charlie Golay | 11/12/2018 | $50.00 | Good work Tai | John Hazlett | 10/23/2018 | $25.00 | Wonderful cause Tai! | Georgia Wilemon | 10/23/2018 | $350.00 | I am so proud of you, Tai! | Meredith Parsons | 10/21/2018 | $200.00 | Go Tai! Great cause. | Tamara McElroy | 10/21/2018 | $100.00 | Jay Melendy | 10/18/2018 | $8.00 | Jay Melendy | 10/10/2018 | $100.00 |
| Total | $3,680.00 | ||