Allyson Schumacher is a graduate of at Hastings 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 to San Francisco, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Foundation.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

When I ran with 4K for Cancer in 2016, I ran in honor of my grandparents, and my aunt, and countless other inspiring people that I had met along our journey . While I know many who are affected by cancer, since my run in 2016, the diagnosis that has shook me the most has been our 4K teammate Steven Hensle.

Steven was supposed to join us for our trip to New York to run in honor of his father who passed of cancer, but a brain cancer diagnosis of his own put a hold on his plans. Our team followed his medical journey and had the pleasure of his and his mother’s company the night before we crossed the Brooklyn Bridge at the end of our run. Unfortunately, due to medical complications during surgery, we learned of his passing almost 9 months later. We think about him a lot. Although our time with him was short, he has greatly impacted Team New York, and we are continually inspired by the courage and strength of both him and his mother, Lisa. 

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

Participating in the 4K for Cancer in 2016 taught me so much about hope, kindness, and what it means to truly live. That incredible journey has given me the confidence to live not by habit but by intent. I have so much love in my heart for not only this organization, but the amazing people behind the scenes who coordinate these programs and care for those affected by cancer. I can think of no better way to give back ride to the cancer community and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults once more than to ride in honor of Steven, his family, and for those who are unable.

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!