Hi Pals,

I'm participating in the Beard Off for a second time this year to support young adults who've been impacted by cancer. Please donate towards my lofty goal and support my manly-man beard.

Why am I taking part in the Beard Off, and why should you donate to my goal?  Did you know:

• A cancer diagnosis between the ages of 15 and 39 is nearly eight times more common than such a diagnosis during the first 15 years of life.
• The cancers most commonly diagnosed in young adults are lymphoma, leukemia, germ cell tumors (ovarian and testicular cancers), melanoma, sarcoma, breast cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, and colorectal cancer.
• Today cancer is the leading disease killer among 20- to 39-year-olds.
• Despite advances in early detection, treatment, and prevention, there’s been no improvement within the last 30 years in survival rates for this particular age group — and in fact, the gap between the survival rates of young adults and those of cancer patients in other age groups is widening.

By growing my beard out I'm supporting the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults who work to ensure no young adult faces cancer alone through programs throughout the country including:

Patient Navigation- our Young Adult Patient Navigators work within hospitals to provide a holistic approach to patient care that is free of charge and avialable to young adults at any stage of their cancer diagnosis.  They educate, empower, engage, and encourage patients by providing tailored emotional and practical support to young adults impacted by cancer.

Scholarships- UCF provides over 30 scholarships each year to young adults whov'e been impacte dby cancer through their own diagnosis or through the diagnosis of a parent or loved one.  Scholarships are awarded on teh basis of financial need, medical hardship, dedication to community service, commitment to educational and professional goals, and how the cancer experience has impacted their lives.

Cancer to 5K is a free, 12-week training program designed to introduce or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity. The program provides survivors with the professional training, coaches, encouragement and support necessary to complete a 5K (3.1 mile) road race, regardless of their age, current cancer treatment status or fitness level.

The UCF House- Coming in 2017 the UCF House will be a free “home away from home”  for young adult cancer patients receiving treatment in Baltimore and their caregivers. The UCF House will create a community that fosters peer and social support, decreases financial and other burdens, and encourages hope and healing. The home will serve more than 200 families each year, will be open 365 days a year, and will fill a void of affordable housing for young adults who travel to receive the treatment they need.

Thanks for your support!

Ian

About the Beard Off 

The Beard Off Challenge began as a bet among a group of friends who wanted to see who could grow the best beard. It grew gloriously and in just three years has “fund-razed” over $70,000 for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. With a great beard comes great responsibility. All Bearders are committed to raising funds and, most importantly, awareness for The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, a non-profit dedicated to creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer.

About the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

At age 19, Doug Ulman was preparing for his sophomore year at Brown University. He was a healthy, active college student and Division I soccer player. One event would change his life forever. Doug was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, located on a rib in his back.

The Founding of the UCF | 1997

Frustrated by the lack of resources and literature to speak to the unique needs of young adults affected by cancer, Doug and his family created The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults to fill this gap.

Helping Young Adults| 1997 – Present

Since our creation, the UCF expanded our reach to provide young adults and their families with a unique and comprehensive system of support. The UCF growth has resulted in many programs and services available across the United States.

This year's Beard Off for Cancer is Presented by M&T Bank

M&T Bank is considered one of the country's most highly regarded regional banks. We've built our business on a tradition of reliability, accuracy, and responsiveness to the needs of our customers. Founded 160 years ago, M&T Bank has a longstanding tradition of careful, conservative and consistent management. You’ll find M&T Bank to be a reliable bank that’s strong and stable, a local bank that’s committed to the communities we serve and a responsive bank that cares about what’s important to you, your family and your business.

One of our core beliefs is that the well-being of the bank is dependent upon the well-being of the communities we serve. Each year, we contribute more than $4.1 million to over 500not-for-profits in Maryland.  The Baltimore Business Journal ranked M&T the 5th most generous company in the region.

M&T’s clients have access to a wide array of financial solutions for your personal, business and commercial banking needs, designed to accommodate the way you bank today, while helping you build financial security for the future.