On February 19, 2013, my older sister Shannon, was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of twenty-two.  At the time, she was in the US Navy serving on her fifth deployment in the Persian Gulf on an aircraft carrier.  Her treatment was long, hard and full of side effects that were difficult to deal with.  It took a lot out of her.  While at Walter Reed, she was met by a Patient Navigator from the Ulman Cancer Fund named Meghan.  Meghan informed us that she facilitated a support group for young adults with cancer, organized outings for patients, and served as a resource for information about all of UCF’s great programs.  As Shannon’s health improved, we became more involved through the support group, outings and Cancer to 5K.  These programs helped our spirit and strength. I believe and support these programs from UCF because I have seen the benefits in Shannon and other young adults with cancer.  Not only do the programs help these young people while they fight cancer but they provide support as they try to return to life and adjust to the new normal.  Cancer to 5K tries to show them that they can do more than they think post-cancer. 

     I have volunteered as a Sherpa in Cancer to 5K for several seasons and want to do more.  This year during the off-season I will be running a 15K and fundraising $2,100 for UCF.  My goal is to raise funds by December 10th (the day of the race and my 21st birthday) and raise awareness for young adults with cancer.  Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. 

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 expereience 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.

Your donation will help make these programs and our mission possible!