If you know me, you probably know I discovered running last year. You probably also know that it was not a desire to run or be more fit or active that brought me to running, but instead a desire to find support and hope after living 11 years with Ulcerative Colitis. I found a group that supported UC and hesitantly signed up to walk/crawl 13.1 miles with them. 6 months later I found myself running 13.1 miles, and when I crossed the finish line, I was the happiest I'd ever been. Not only because I had finished the race, but because along the way, I had proven to myself that I was mentally and physically stronger than I ever imagined. I had a tremendous amount of hope and a new excitement for life. It was an experience I wouldn't trade for the world, and I could not have done it without the support of friends, family, and even a few strangers.

About a year after my first half marathon, I have focused my sights on a new challenge: the Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon. Knowing that a good support network is key to success, I sought a group who could help me train for my first triathlon (especially the swim!). I found Team Fight, an endurance training and fundraising program through the Ulman Cancer Fund, and researched the cause before jumping in...

The training was right, but could I relate to the cause? While I am fortunate to not personally need the Ulman Fund's resources and services, it was easy for me to connect to the mission: to provide support to young adults fighting cancer. Where I cannot relate to the daily life of someone fighting cancer, I can relate to the fight to define a new normal after an undesired diagnosis. I know first hand how important that support is when facing something so life-changing and how even the smallest glimmer of hope can make a significant difference.

If you're able, I invite you to support me in the next step in my journey as I complete my first triathlon and raise valuable funds to support the Ulman Fund's mission. By making a tax-deductible donation of even just a few dollars, you are providing hope to young adults facing cancer and fighting to put or keep their life in order. I encourage you to read below to find out more about the Ulman Fund's mission and services. And if you decide to click the big green button (top-right) to DONATE, please know your support truly means the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, as they fight cancer and embrace survivorship. 

With your support, The Ulman Cancer Fund is able to provide multiple support services and resources for the young adult cancer community, including: 

• Cancer to 5K - A free, progressive, 12-week run/walk program designed to reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity.

• Helping Others Fight - A volunteer program that provides basic services – such as transportation to and from treatment, yard work, home repairs, delivery of chemo care bags – to local cancer patients and their families so they can focus their energy on their battle with cancer and their well-being.

• Patient Navigation - A free program - onsite at cancer centers and remote - that ensures no young adult ever faces cancer alone.  We provide one-on-one personal support and 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.


Thank you for making these programs and our mission possible.