I am married and the mother of two daughters, 19 and 24 years old, looking for a fun way to spend a week on the road, doing some good, and meeting new people.  My immediate family has been relatively untouched by cancer and for this, I am grateful.  In 2015, our daughter Megan was on Team Seattle, riding with a fantastic group of people, many who she sees often and counts among her closest friends.  During her send-off in Baltimore and beyond, I was able to learn about the Ulman Cancer Fund and have been impressed by its mission and administrative capabilities.  When I saw the opportunity to be a support person for the Key to Keys ride, I jumped at the chance.  For my friends and family who look at this page, I am asking for your support but want you to know what you are supporting.  Here is a little history:

"The Ulman family founded the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF) in 1997 after their son, Doug, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 19.  Faced with a distinct lack of resources for young adults impacted by this disease, the Ulmans sought to address the unique needs of young adult cancer patients and their families.  These concerns include fertility preservation, health insurance conflicts, employment, education, physical activity, relationship maintenance, and social isolation."

This mission speaks to me because I have spent my professional life first working as an RN, then a public health professional, and finally a nurse-midwife. I spend my days (and some nights) caring for women of all ages, helping them navigate the child-bearing years, and teaching them to take control of their reproductive health.  Much of my work involves counseling women about cervical and breast cancer risk factors and treatment. 

I am honored to be a part of this team and hope you will find the Ulman mission one that you can support (in any amount).  Thank you.

For more information about the Ulman Cancer Fund, please visit: http://ulmanfund.org

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!