Taylor Jones is a graduate of Florida Institute of Technology. In the summer of 2019, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore to Seattle, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Like most people, I have multiple family members and friends who have fought some form of cancer. Those I am closest to include my grandmother, grandfather, and younger sister, who are all survivors – a fact that I do not take for granted. I am so, so thankful to still have them with me today.

The person who has had the biggest impact on my connection to the cancer community, however, is Bo. Bo was my sister’s fiancé, who, at the age of 20, lost his long, difficult battle against Ewings Sarcoma, a rare pediatric bone cancer. In honor of Bo’s life, our families formed the BoStrong Foundation, a nonprofit which aims to support holistic wellness for young adults fighting cancer and their families. We love and miss Bo every day, but my hope is that his legacy and this foundation will be able to positively influence the lives of other young adults fighting cancer for years to come.

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

I have dreamed of doing a long journey like this for a few years. But, as I learned more about the 4K for Cancer, I realized that this crazy journey could be bigger than just the physical act of biking a long distance. I am excited to ride along side this team of young adults who have also been impacted by cancer in their own way. Through fundraising, service days, and relationship building with individuals met along the way, I hope to do my own part in raising awareness of the challenges young adults face when fighting cancer. Above all else, I hope to honor my own loved ones who have fought this disease.

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!