BLUF

For all of you civilians out there, that means Bottom Line Up Front 

I have registered to run the Army Ten-Miler on October 12th, 2014. Instead of just running, I have decided to run in support of The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults by raising money for the organization. I believe in the work that they do and I am humbly asking for your donations to support the work done by this organization.

All money donated goes directly to the Ulman Cancer Fund. I don't want to pressure anyone into making donations, but any amount helps and all donations are tax deductible. Even if you can’t personally afford a monetary donation, your support is still appreciated. If you would like to help spread the word, you can share this on Facebook or e-mail a link to your friends, family and coworkers.

I wholeheartedly believe in the work the Ulman Cancer Fund does and I appreciate you taking the time to read this far. If you would like to know more about the Ulman Cancer Fund or my story and why this cause is so important to me, please continue reading.

Cancer is Everywhere:

It is an unfortunate and terrible fact of life. Everyone, at one point or another, will be affected by cancer. Whether it’s a close friend of yours, a family member or yourself, it’s unavoidable. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 40% of people born today will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. Cancer diagnosis is an extremely isolating experience for which, no one is prepared to handle. It is especially difficult for most young adults. Many young adults do not have the social support system that they would have at other stages of life. Cancer is a terrifying, confusing and illogical disease. We “treat” the cancer by poisoning our bodies, bringing ourselves to the brink and hope that we can hang on longer than the disease. I was lucky and made it through. Many do not. When there is no outright cure, guidance, support and access to care are a cancer patient’s best chance for survival. This is why I have chosen to support the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

Cancer has hit my family hard. We lost my grandfather, Jerry L. Little, on November 4th, 1998 to lung cancer. Since then, my cousin Andrew and I have both struggled with and eventually beat cancer. 

Andrew:

When Andrew was 16, he went for a long bike ride and had sever back pain when he got back. Then next day he couldn't walk and lost 40 pounds in two weeks. On July 12th, 2004, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Two weeks after starting treatment, he was technically in remission, but continued treatment for just over 4 years.

After years of treatment, he is now considered cured and lives in Colorado with his awesome girlfriend, Ashley and their dog Junebug. He has 5 nephews and nieces that all love their Uncle Booboo very much.

My Story:

I have dealt with cancer twice in my life. As you may have heard, on May 1st, I had a type of surgery called TURBT (Trans-urethral Resection of Bladder Tumor). Do yourself a favor and don't google it. Test results show that the tumor was malignant and may have eventually metastasized elsewhere, but it was caught early. The surgeon was able to remove all of the diseased tissue, plus a little extra. The histopathology showed that it was a type of tumor specific to the bladder, so extremely unlikely to be related to my previous cancer. Besides some complications and infections, I am currently in the clear. These types of tumors aren’t necessarily likely to recur, but I will have to be screened every 6 months for the next few years. This go-around with cancer was relatively quick and ended with a positive outcome. I am extremely relieved and looking forward to being released from this medical unit, so that I can finish school and start the next chapter of my life and career.

My first cancer diagnosis happened when I was much younger and it was much more complicated. It was rough and I don't talk about it much. I will always be grateful to a small group of extremely loyal friends that were there for me during that time. When I was diagnosed, I made many poor decisions. I made all the wrong choices in my treatment. I asked none of the right questions. Treatment was long and difficult, but I have been in remission since December 2009.

Had I been a more informed patient, I probably would have received better, more effective treatment. I wish I knew then that there was other help out there such as the resources provided by the Ulman Cancer Foundation and taken advantage of them then.

Life After Cancer:

Cancer changed me, as it does everyone it touches. I was weak, walking short distances would leave me winded. Fed up with my limitations, I started working out and running. Over time it became an outlet for all my frustration from being sick. Running was a challenge for me and I pushed myself to run farther and farther distances.

Then I began participating in races. I did a few 5ks, then moved to 10ks, half marathons and eventually marathons. Finishing each race felt like another victory over illness. Crossing the finish line reminds you that you're alive in the best way. Running is awesome. I highly recommend it.

Overcoming cancer and running gave me the confidence to join the military. Undertandably, I had to do a few more physicals than the average recruit, but I enlisted in the U.S. Army July 19th, 2011. Graduation from Basic on December 2nd, 2011, was the proudest day of my life.

Getting through Basic, AIT, stateside missions and deployment are all things I never would have believed I was capable of accomplishing 5 years ago. I was not trying to prove anything to anyone but myself. Serving my country is an opportunity I thought had passed me by, I am proud and humbled to do my part.

I choose to support The Ulman Cancer Fund and running The Army Ten-Miler... Please donate to this great organization.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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.