Thomas Nesbitt is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina. In the summer of 2018, he will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 49-day, 4000+ mile run from San Francisco to Baltimore, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My little sister, Julia, passed away from pediatric cancer in 2016 after battling leukemia twice and finally a brain tumor all over the course of 11 years. To help honor her, I now serve on the Board of Directors for an NPO founded in memory of Julia, called Julia & Jack's Photo Shack, which works to teach photography to children at specialty camps to foster a new love or skill, or at least have a good time in the process. In its second year of operation, Julia & Jack's Photo Shack has already been awarded "Best in Show" at the COCA Conference in San Francisco.

Why are you traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults?

I would love to contribute to raising of funds and awareness for all affected by cancer, pediatric, young adult, or otherwise. Aside from running cross country for 8 years, I am also passionate about the subject matter and would love to spend almost two months dedicated solely to this cause in honor and memory of my sister, and all other adolescents affected by this life-ruining disease. My philosophy is that there can never be too much attention drawn to such an issue, as it only serves to help people otherwise cast toward the wayside, so I would love to add to such recognition being garnered.

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!