This September I will be running from Locust Point in Baltimore to the southernmost point in Florida through a program called Point to Point. During this weeklong journey, the Point to Point team will run 2-3 hours per day and travel over 1000 miles to raise money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, an amazing organization that has helped me tremendously throughout my cancer journey.

WHY am I running across 6 states, you might ask? Here is your answer:

I was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in April 2017, less than a month after my 25^th birthday. I was your average young adult – living in the city, starting my career, running and going to yoga, and spending time with my friends and family. Suddenly, after a 6-minute phone call with my doctor, my life was flipped upside down and all of my priorities changed. In the beginning, my days were filled with fear, uncertainty, and doubt. I lost faith in my body and my health. Through 14 months of treatment, I endured surgeries, hair loss, fertility preservation, countless biopsies and scans, 12 rounds of chemo, 20 days of radiation, and 26 doses of targeted therapy. Cancer left me bald, broken, and full of scars, but it also reminded me of my strength and all of my blessings.

As of July 2, 2018, I’m officially FINISHED active treatment and ready to take back my life. Facing my mortality at 25 wasn’t easy, but in the end it made me strong. I know I am capable of so much more than I ever gave myself credit. By participating in Point to Point, I’m restoring faith in my body and benefiting an organization that helps so many young adults facing cancer, just like me.

Help me run across 6 states and support UCF by making a donation towards my $4500 fundraising goal. Every penny is appreciated and goes a long way!

Your donation will support the Ulman Cancer Fund’s efforts to help navigate young adults through their treatments and provide scholarships and support programs for cancer survivors all over the US. All donations are tax-deductible. You can make a donation through this site or mail a check. Please make checks out to the Ulman Cancer Fund and write ‘Natalia Rocha P2P' in the memo line.

Thank you for all of your help!

xo Natalia

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.

UCF House - a “home away from home” to provide free housing for young adult cancer patients, and their caregivers, in East Baltimore. 

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.

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