What is Jonalyne doing?

From October 7th, 2017 through October 14th, 2017, I will be running with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF) Point to Point 2017 team from Locust Point, Maryland to the southern-most point in Key West, Florida. While on our route, we will be carrying out the UCF mission of bringing awareness to young adult cancers by taking part in things like visiting hospitals, cancer centers, support groups, and making chemo bags. 

WHY is Jonalyne doing this?!?!

I'm doing it for my Grandma, my cousin, my childhood friend... the patients and families I got to know through the UCF gift drives... my Cancer-to-5K teammates... friends and family who have been affected by cancer.... YOUR friends and family who have been affected by cancer.  We all know at least one person who was or is affected by cancer.  But I'm also doing this for me... because I too fought my own battle with Borderline Ovarian Cancer... and as it's name suggests, it's "somewhere in the middle"... it's slow-growing, not quite malignant, not quite benign, and it may or may not turn into your "typical" ovarian cancer.  I was diagnosed in September 2013 when we thought just 2 ovarian cysts were going to be removed.  I had 2 tumors, one on each ovary, both were borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs).  I was referred to an oncologist who since then has followed my case.  I had recurrence within the year and had my second surgery November 2014.  Tumors on each ovary again, plus more implants behind my uterus; it was starting to spread.  The tumor on my left side was consuming the area so my left ovary and fallopian tube were removed as well.  The day before Thanksgiving, my conservative doctor recommended a total hysterectomy and my future all of  a sudden changed forever.  I scheduled my third surgery for April 2015, strategically after I ran the NYC Half Marathon with my sister. In September 2015, I had a fourth surgery... it was emergency surgery due to free-air in my abdomen likely caused by thinning organ walls as a side effect from the hysterectomy.  Before this, I never even heard of BOTs and come to find out an extrememly small percentage of women are diagnosed with it.  Even with a strong mind and so much family and friends around, I felt alone, like I was the only person that felt the way I did and that no one else could ever understand what I was feeling.  It wasn't until I found a BOTs Facebook group when I started to not feel so alone anymore because those other women shared similar feelings that I had.  Going through something life-changing affects you in many ways, mentally and physically.  It tests you and pushes you to limits unknown.  I'm doing this because I want others to be advocates for their health and for them to receive the support they need and because I don't want others to feel alone and to let them know that there are other people who do understand what they are going through and what they are feeling and are more than willing to help in any way that they can.  I'm doing this to whole-heartedly help others and give support... and I do this with no expectations but to try to make a difference in at least one person's life. 

What is Point to Point?

Point to Point is a running/walking event from Locust Point (Baltimore), Maryland to the southern-most point in Key West, Florida.  This event acts as a means to bring awareness to young adult cancer and to raise funds for UCF programs; this event will be raising funds for the Cancer to 5K program.

What is Jonalyne's connection to UCF?

In 2013, I was in charge of coordinating the UCF Holiday Gift Drive for the company I work for (for the UCF gift drive, organizations/groups are assigned a cancer patient and their family to "sponsor" who they would provide gifts for during the holidays).  I quickly learned about UCF, their mission, and their programs and fell in love with their cause.  That first year, the patient passed away within a week of our drop-off, and that really opened my eyes to the impact UCF has on others.  I continue to coordinate the gift drive and volunteer to do the drop-off to the families.  I also joined the Howard County Cancer to 5K (CT5K) team as a Sherpa in the spring of 2016.  CT5K is an amazing program and I want to see it continue to thrive and expand to different cities! 

Fun fact: I work in the same building as the UCF headquarters!

Jonalyne's a runner?!

Many people know that I was not always into running.  For many years, my sister would try to get me to run with her and I always gave her the "are you crazy?!" look in response.  She was very patient and persistent.  I made the "mistake" of expressing interest in running one day... and BAM! That Christmas, I unwrapped my gifts from my sister which included a shirt, shorts, socks, a Spi-Belt, and new running shoes! I had no excuse now.  It took me a while to find my comfort in running (or my run/walk sequence), and then signed up for my first 5K (3-weeks before the race date).  My promise to my sister to her asking me to sign up for a half marathon: "After I get a few 5Ks under my belt, I'll sign up."  I held up my end of the deal and entered in the 2015 NYC Half Marathon lottery with her... we both have ran the NYC Half together in 2015, 2016 (2-weeks before my wedding), and 2017. I don't run to be fast (I'm a "slow runner") or to break any records.  I do it to push myself, to be active, to enjoy my surroundings while out there, and for medals, of course! haha! I owe this interest to my sister, for always encouraging me and motivating me... she is my personal Sherpa and Coach.

How can you help or provide support?

• Donate to help me reach my fundraising goal through this page!  Your donation will directly support UCF's Cancer to 5K program, to help maintain the curent groups and to open/start new groups in other cities.
• Register to be a Sherpa! Or become active in other UCF programs and events.
• Volunteer at a hospital or cancer care center.
• Contribute to or make cancer care packages.
• Consider what could make a difference in someone's daily life -- something like providing a meal, taking the dog out for walks, being an ear that listens.

Thank you for stopping by and supporting my efforts!  I'll be sure to keep everyone updated along the way, likely through FB posts and IG pics! 

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!