Marissa Aldieri is a graduate student at Lesley University. In the summer of 2019, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore, MD to San Francisco, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

For the past 3 years, I worked with an organization called Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, providing programs around the world free of charge to serve children with chronic illnesses. I ran into a wide variety of diagnoses, including patients battling forms of pediatric cancer. I work with these children to help increase their quality of life and give them the opportunity to live their childhood, no strings attached. This past year, I lost my uncle to brain cancer and discovered many extraordinary things about him that developed even more of a drive to serve the cancer community. 

Why are you traveling 4,000 miles this summer with the Ulman Foundation?

Not only is this a challenge I want to accomplish for myself and the people in my life affected by cancer, but more importantly for the entire community. Our word is spread throughout the entire nation as we go on our way and I am fascinated at the impact word of mouth in itself can do. I have been raising money for many years to benefit many different foundations and I have never taken on something like this. I am excited to meet new people in the community, hear their stories, and let them know that we are doing this ride in their honor and spirit.

2019 marks the 18th 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 Foundation (Ulman). Interested in joining the fight? Apply to be a rider or runner a at www.4kforcancer.org! 

CHALLENGE:

Over 72,000 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:

Ulman Foundation changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, Ulman 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.

Ulman House - This year Ulman will open 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!