132 Young Adults To Begin Annual Cross Country Ride and Run

4K for Cancer Program Gives Young Adults the Opportunity to Fight for Local Communities in the Battle Against Cancer

Baltimore, Maryland – May 31, 2013 – The 12^th annual 4K for Cancer bike ride will begin Sunday, June 2nd at 7 a.m., as 106 cyclists dip their wheels in the Inner Harbor under the masts of the U.S.S. Constellation. Split into four routes, these cyclists will spend the next 70 days and 4000+ miles on the road raising funds and awareness in the fight against young adult cancer. Participants will finish their rides in Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, San Diego, California, or San Francisco, California. In select cities on the journey, the cyclists will donate their time to local cancer communities.

4K for Cancer is a program of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF). 4K cyclists seek to “Cycle/Run, Inspire, and Unite” as they raise awareness about cancer, provide community service to cancer organizations across the nation, and award 10 higher education scholarships along the ride and run routes to young adults affected by cancer. Scholarship winners have been selected through a prior application process.

4K for Cancer Riders raise $100,000 to help start UCF Navigation Program at Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

The 4K program has added a subsequent run across the country will begin in San Francisco, California on June 16^th. The inaugural run will feature 26 young adults that will run in a relay format from The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor over the course of 30 days covering over 4,000 miles. Each day runners will run 8 two-mile segments with one of their teammates.

This year the program is the largest to date comprised of young men and women representing 62 colleges and universities within 20 states; the majority of participants from the University of Maryland. 51 participants are local and there are 3 cancer survivors within the overall group. This year the cyclists and runners have raised over $660,000 with a goal of reaching $750,000.

“4K for Cancer is a perfect example of young adults making a difference in the lives of their peers who are battling cancer,” said Brock Yetso, President and CEO of UCF. “They are voluntarily giving up their summer, their freedom, their jobs, and putting their lives on hold over the course of the ride or run to help people they’ve never met overcome a terrible disease. Their dedication and selflessness is truly humbling.”

Through a minimum personal fundraising commitment of $4,500 and donations collected along the route, participants raise money that directly supports the UCF Patient Navigation Programs. These programs offer comprehensive health services to young adult cancer patients, working in conjunction with multi-disciplinary medical care teams, social work staff, and other care providers. Since its inception at Johns Hopkins University in 2001, 4K for Cancer has raised over $2 million in the fight against cancer.

4K for Cancer is accepting online donations at http://4kforcancer.org/donate/. For more information, please visit http://4kforcancer.org/, or follow the cyclists on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contact                                                                                                                         Rachel Wiederhold                                                                                                                         Program Director, Marketing & Communications           rachel@ulmanfund.org                                                                                                                  Office: 410-964-0202 x107

About Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults:  The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF), founded in 1997, is the national leader in providing specialized support for young adults affected by cancer. With nearly 70,000 young adults diagnosed every year, our organization helps young people fight the disease and navigate treatment by providing access to information, support groups, and other specialized programs. UCF Patient Navigation Programs have set a national standard and can be accessed remotely or through onsite Patient Navigators at a growing number of hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic region. UCF is a founding member of the LIVESTRONG^TM Young Adult Alliance and a national pioneer in developing innovative approaches in cancer support. UCF enhances lives by supporting, educating and connecting young adults, and their loved ones, affected by cancer.  For more information, please visit, www.ulmancancerfund.org.

Heavy Seas Alehouse Pairs 5 Chefs, 1 Mixologist, and 1 Charitable Foundation for a Unique Culinary Experience

Heavy Seas Alehouse Pairs 5 Chefs, 1 Mixologist, and 1 Charitable Foundation for a Unique Culinary Experience

Heavy Seas Alehouse to host Guest Chef dinner on June 26, 2013 benefiting The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

BALTIMORE, Maryland – May 24, 2013 – The The Heavy Seas Alehouse will host an evening of culinary delights on Wednesday, June 26^th beginning at 6:30 p.m. Featuring 5 courses and 13 beverages created by top restaurant chefs and a world-renown mixologist. Chef Sisha Ortuzar of Riverpark – NY, NY; Chef Ed Carew of Spasso – NY, NY: Chef Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve – Alexandria, VA; Chef Spike Gjerde of Woodberry Kitchen – Baltimore, MD and Chef Matt Seeber of Heavy Seas Alehouse – Baltimore, MD; Mixologist Ryan Maybee Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange– Kansas City, KS. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF) funding programs and services to assist young adults affected by cancer.

“We are excited to host the third Guest Chef dinner benefiting the UCF, as someone who has personally dealt with cancer in our family, I believe the organization provides invaluable support to young adults affected by this disease,” says Heavy Seas General Manager, Vince Cassino. “We have some extraordinary chefs lined up for the evening, 2 of them being James Beard 2013 Finalists. We are also looking forward to tasting the craft cocktails Mixologist Ryan Maybee will be creating for the event. This will definitely be a dining experience you won’t want to miss!”

“We are honored to again be chosen the beneficiary of the Heavy Seas Alehouse Guest Chef Dinner,” says UCF President & CEO, Brock Yetso. “Partnering with a great local restaurant that really cares about the cancer community will help UCF to raise awareness for what our organization does to help young adults affected by cancer.”

Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at: http://heavyseasalehouse.com/product/guest-chef-dinner/

About Heavy Seas Alehouse:

Heavy Seas Alehouse is a place where sailors tell stories and pyrates make legends. We first opened our doors in February of 2012 and our menu features fresh and seasonal ingredients that we source locally whenever possible.  The dishes are simple in appearance with bold and assertive flavors that stand up to the intense beers we are known for…ARRRRGGGHHHH! The menu lists everything from the most delicious onion rings you’ll ever taste to perfectly prepared local seafood and everything in between. We offer first class food and beer pairings, an array of specialty beer and cask ales, eight Heavy Seas Beers on tap, a raw bar and the return of the growler. http://www.HeavySeasAleHouse.com/

About Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults:

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF), founded in 1997, is the national leader in providing specialized support for young adults affected by cancer. With nearly 70,000 young adults diagnosed every year, our organization helps young people fight the disease and navigate treatment by providing access to information, support groups, and other specialized programs. UCF Patient Navigation Programs have set a national standard and can be accessed remotely or through onsite Patient Navigators at a growing number of hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic region. UCF is a founding member of the LIVESTRONG^TM Young Adult Alliance and a national pioneer in developing innovative approaches in cancer support. UCF enhances lives by supporting, educating and connecting young adults, and their loved ones, affected by cancer.  For more information, please visit, www.ulmancancerfund.org.

Media Contact Information:

Molly White, Marketing Manager

(443) 850-8084

Rachel Wiederhold, UCF Program Director, Marketing & Communications

(410) 964-0202 x 107

Celebrating Life on National Cancer Survivors Day

I’m Samantha, a twenty three year old cancer survivor completing a Year of Service at the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF). This June 2^nd I will be celebrating life and I invite you to join me!

Sam will celebrate nearly 10 years as a cancer survivor on June 2nd!

It was almost ten years ago that I diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I was thirteen, a little rebellious, and at times over dramatic like most kids my age. There were no symptoms of being sick, no aches or pains and in the blink of an eye my life changed.

When I think back to that day a million images flash before my eyes, but I so vividly see my mom, my dad, and my brother. My family that from that day forward became my rock, my strength and my support. My family was there to keep me laughing, keep me smiling, and when things looked a little hazy, they were there to clear my vision.

I was diagnosed, but we were all going through this together.

About a year ago I started my fellowship at the Ulman Cancer Fund. My first week I met a thirteen year old who was going through treatment and was terrified about loosing her hair. I learned that the 4K for Cancer team stops at Camp Mak-A-Dream, a survivor’s camp where I spent two of my summers.  I listened to a young woman speak so openly about how she felt alone when she was diagnosed and how UCF helped her through her journey.

There are a lot of questions, fears, and concerns going through a diagnosis and what I’ve learned is it takes a community. It’s at UCF that I am reminded every day that it’s the support of friends and family, your network that helps make sense of it all.

It’s that community of support that gets you through the hard days. But, it’s that community of friends and family that make the good days that much brighter.

We at the UCF believe that National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) is about a community of support. It’s a day to celebrate your life and the lives of those that have helped you through your journey.

So on this NCSD, I ask you to help us spread awareness and show your support to others.

Share your story.  One of the biggest ways you can help is by telling us what this day means to you and what you are celebrating.

• You can download our “I’m a Survivor” and “In Honor Of” tiles to show us why you are celebrating this day.  Take a picture of yourself with the tile and tag the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults when you share it on Facebook or Twitter so we can help you to inspire even more people. Or you can email your story and pictures to: info@ulmanfund.org

Raise Awareness Not everyone may be aware of June 2^nd being National Cancer Survivors Day and you can play a large role in making sure people know that it is approaching

• Share NCSD graphics from our Facebook Page
• Set one of our graphics or your tile picture as your profile picture in the days leading up to June 2^nd.

Be sure to encourage your family and friends to become involved in our campaign to celebrate NCSD. Your support in being a voice for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is appreciated by survivors like me!

 

Ulman Cancer Fund Named Beneficiary of Headers for Hope Soccer Showcase

We are excited to announce that Headers for Hope and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF) are partnering for the Headers for Hope 2013 Women’s Soccer Showcase. Participating collegiate teams include: University of Maryland, Loyola University, College of William and Mary, U.S. Naval Academy, Old Dominion University, Penn State University, and the University of Virginia. The Headers for Hope 2013 Women’s Soccer Showcase will be held on April 13, 2013 at the Howard High School Stadium in Columbia, MD.

“Headers for Hope is a great nonprofit organization that seeks to raise money for local charities in the fight against cancer. We are honored to have been selected as the local charity partner for the tournament,” says Brock Yetso, UCF President & CEO. “As a former collegiate UVA soccer player, this is an event that is close to my heart paring my love of soccer with my passion for the cancer fight.” The Headers for Hope Tournament provides coaches and players an opportunity to play some of the best teams in women’s college soccer, while also providing teams the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. The seven teams will compete against each other in a round-robin tournament with UVA vs Penn State at 6pm. All day tickets will be $10 at the gate.

“I am delighted that we will partner with the Ulman Cancer Fund for 2013,” said Louise Waxler, founder of Headers For Hope. “The ability to raise awareness about the risks of cancer to our college athletes and young soccer players is our ultimate goal. Our partnership with the UCF provides us with the opportunity to spread the word and to help make a difference in saving the lives of those we love.”

For further information, please see the event website: www.headersforhope.org.

About Headers for Hope:
Headers for Hope was established in honor of every individual who has been diagnosed with cancer. Founder of Headers For Hope and long-time soccer sports industry veteran Louise Waxler created the Foundation in loving memory of her good friend who passed away after her two-year battle with this deadly disease. Headers For Hope works with tournaments and teams across the country and within each sport to raise money, which is donated back to their local cancer charity or organization. For more information on how to get involved, please visit www.headersforhope.com.

Schedule of games:
9:30 am – Navy vs. ODU
11:00 am – UMD vs.  William & Mary
1:30 pm – ODU vs. Loyola
3:00 pm – William & Mary vs. Navy
4:30 pm – Loyola vs. UMD
6:00 pm – Virginia vs. Penn State
7:30 pm – Columbia Alumni (Men)

Berlin’s Casey Lupini Will Cycle Across America for Cancer

Casey Lupini a student at Clarkson University is participating in the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adult’s 4K for Cancer ride with a group of college-aged students on a 70 day, 4000+ mile bike ride from Baltimore to San Francisco, CA.

From her fundraising page:

What is your connection with the cancer community?

I have been very fortunate that cancer has not touched anyone that has been close to me. Before I was born, both my grandfather’s passed away from cancer. My grandfather on my father’s side died from pancreatic cancer and on my mother’s side, lung cancer. In high school, a fellow classmate was diagnosed with Leukemia. I admired her for her strength and resolve. She was determined to beat her illness and I am happy to say that she succeeded. I have participated in “Relay For Life”, and am always struck by the stories being told by cancer survivors. Because cancer has not been part of my personal life, I can’t fully understand the emotions it brings. I do, however, I want to fight this battle and keep cancer out of mine and other peoples lives.

And from an article in the Berlin Patch:

“People may wonder why I want to cycle across the country,” Lupini said. “It is a challenge that I am ready to attempt for not only personal reasons, but also in honor of those who have been, or are afflicted with cancer. After hearing about 4K for Cancer, I did some research and found that I really respected the principal idea and focus of the organization. It is a wonderful way for cancer survivors to reach out and tell their stories; on how they coped with having cancer and the impact it had on their lives. The awareness this riding challenge hopes to bring to people concerning cancer and its risks, along with cancer prevention is great.

“We will be doing this by visiting cancer patients at hospitals, cancer centers, and hospices, as well as hosting cancer education programs in the towns along the way in our trek across the country. We will also promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how fitness can help reduce the risk of cancer and other disease. I would like to dedicate various sections of my journey to those you love; who are fighting, who have fought, or who have succumbed to this insidious disease.”

You can read the rest of the article here: http://berlin.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/berlin-s-casey-lupini-will-cycle-across-america-for-c5110dc52e0

Survivor, I thought, that was going to be me

My first interaction with The Ulman Cancer Fund (UCF) was not as a survivor but as a supporter. I found out about UCF when I signed up for its inaugural Half Full Triathlon in 2010. After watching my dad go through cancer the year before I leapt at any opportunity to raise money and awareness for those battling this awful disease. UCF was a great organization to support at that time; it put its money into programs that directly impact cancer patients, survivors and their families, what more could I ask for?

Katie is a breast cancer survivor, Team Fight member and UCF Supporter!

Fast-forward about 6 months, to March of 2011. I, Katie Anderson, 28-year-old triathlete and marathon runner was diagnosed with breast cancer. Getting diagnosed with cancer at such a young age was terrifying, isolating and mind-boggling. I had no idea that you could get breast cancer that young, especially when I felt like I was doing everything I could to live a healthy life. After the initial fear, turmoil and distress subsided, I thought back to that amazing triathlon, Half Full, that I participated in 6 months prior, where I competed alongside cancer survivors. Survivor, I thought, that was going to be me. I was going to beat this deadly disease and get back out there. From that point forward, I began to look at my journey half full.

Katie biking at the Half Full Triathlon

While the road was tough and painful, both emotionally and physically, I did just that. Despite facing a mastectomy and several other surgeries, I set my mind on participating in Half Full again, so that I could raise money and awareness for those battling cancer. Competing in a race dedicated to cancer patients, survivors and families gave me something to work towards, something to look forward to.

Despite my multiple surgeries, I did it. I got back out there and competed in Half Full in 2012. After this race, and learning more about how UCF supports young cancer patients like myself and their families through programs like Cancer to 5K and patient navigators, I jumped full force into UCF activities and haven’t looked back since. In the past year, I have started volunteering with Cancer to 5K and have also joined Team Fight. Both of these programs have led me to other cancer survivors, which is a great support to me as a 30-year-old who still faces fears of recurrence and daily aches and pains. These programs also allow me to combine my passion for competing in endurance races and my need to give back to the cancer community.

I hope that you too will decide to give back to the cancer community and support a great organization that supports so many young cancer patients, survivors and their families. As a survivor, The Ulman Cancer Fund has given me a support group to lean on and raise awareness with. Join me in this great fight!

Sincerely,

Katie Anderson

A Half Full Proposal

I’m Loren Bazualdo, and I raced in the Rev3 Half Full 70.0 triathlon benefiting the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults the weekend of, October 7^th2012.  It was an incredible journey leading up to, during, and especially after the race.  And this is my story, about my Half Full experience!

Loren & Dan

About 6 months ago I began my journey towards my first Half Ironman distance race, and I decided to race the Half Full 70.0. I wanted to race Half Full in memory of my dear brother, Jimmy A. Camacho.  He passed away 15 years ago in a tragic car accident.  The day was March 14, 1997.  He was 21 years old.  It was the saddest moment for my family, friends and me.

I have many stories about him that have inspired me but there is one in particular that is special.

Ever since I was a little girl I would always tag along his side. We would do many things together but we enjoyed playing sports the most.  He was an athletic person and loved soccer.  I preferred to play soccer than to run but he would always challenge me.  On this one day we went running and he of course took me on hillier roads.  I recall it was the hardest run for me and I really wanted to quit!  But he didn’t let me and he would say, “Come on Loren, it’s only a few more feet!”, “You can do it!”, and “We’re almost there!”  I tear to this day when I remember him say that.  A tough workout turned out to be the best memories with my brother.  He left me knowing he would be by my side no matter what.  And throughout my training, especially on those hard days, I do feel like he was there with me, pushing me to continue.

Fast forward 6 months, my training was finished, and it was time to race.   It was a cold, soggy morning, but that was not going to dampen my spirits.  I kept reminding myself that this was my race and most important it was in memory of my dear brother Jimmy!  Looking around, I could see the weather was not dampening the spirits of the many cancer survivors or people racing in memory or honor of people battling cancer!  It was truly an inspiration to see them all out there.

As the swim start neared, I was actually very calm and relaxed.  My parents, my cousin Veronica and most importantly Dan Hallenbeck (my boyfriend) came to watch me and their presence meant a lot! When my wave was called, I began walking down towards the water, ready to start the swim.   I quickly said a little prayer, and before I was out of sight, I heard Dan say “Kick Butt!!”  It was all I needed to hear to have a good start.  He was with me all the way!

We entered the water in a time trial start, which was a first for me.  The great thing about the time trial start was not having a clustered group of swimmers, and I avoided having a panic attack because of it. The swim, my strongest leg of the race, was fairly uneventful.  The only hiccup was towards the end when I experienced a little current trying to pull me out more.  I finished the swim strong, and now my time of 29:31 is the time to beat next year!

Coming out of the water I began to realize how cold it was. I jogged the small path up to transition, and as I approached I could see Dan cheering me on.  I realized because of the weather conditions I needed to dry up as much as possible.  It was cold and the bike was going to be colder, so I took my time to ensure I was as dry as warm as possible.

By the time I started my bike ride it was raining.  This is my concern because it is my weakest leg of the race. Complicating the ride was the rainy weather, and I had to worry about staying safe in slick conditions. Additionally, there was the mental challenge of having to do two loops.  However, all I remembered was to Kick butt just as all the cancer survivors were doing!!  The best part of the bike ride was the chance to talk to Lance Armstrong as I began my second loop and he finished his.  He was very nice and took a couple seconds to slow down and say “Good Morning!”  After this I really wanted to finish!  I went out and began my second loop, and shortly after the rain had stopped.  I finished my second loop, and rode back in to transition, ready to run!

Starting the run, the hills were tough but the constant support of the awesome volunteers gave me strength to continue throughout the rest of the race.  As I ended my first loop, I saw the finish; this was the hardest of all because the finish line was so close yet far away.  It was here that I saw my family and Dan cheer me on and they gave me energy to keep going!  I dug in deep and kept running.

As I finished the second loop and approached the finish line, I was excited and emotional.

The thought of my brother came to mind and I was thrilled to complete my first half ironman.  My eyes were starting to water.  Suddenly I recognized Dan at the finish line with my finisher’s medal!  I was thrilled to see him!!  He placed the medal over my head and I began to tear even more.   As I started to turn slightly to find my parents, Dan turned me back towards him. I was confused at first, but FINALLY I REALIZED what he was doing.  He got on his knees and showed me the ring!!!  I COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS WAS HAPPENING!!!  By now tears were rolling down and I was speechless.  He proposed at my race!  I was so shocked I realized I had not responded yet.  I finally nodded yes as I still had not caught my breath.

I will never forget this race!  It is in the books!!  My story of how Dan Hallenbeck proposed

She said YES!

at the finish line of my first Half Ironman, Rev3 Half Triathlon (Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults).

Ulman Cancer Fund and LIVESTRONG Remain Focused on Mission

“As Lance Armstrong steps down as chairman of the Board of LIVESTRONG, The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults continues our work with LIVESTRONG to support those affected by cancer. We are confident that LIVESTRONG will continue to focus on it’s mission under the leadership of our Founder, President & CEO, Doug Ulman and new Chairman, Jeff Garvey.

We thank Lance Armstrong for his enormous dedication and passion on behalf of cancer survivors worldwide.

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults strives to bring strength, hope and empowerment to those affected by cancer.

The mission of The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is to enhance lives by supporting, educating and connecting young adults, and their loved ones, affected by cancer.”

Brock Yetso
President & CEO

Why Mike is Half Full

Hello, my name is Mike Compson and I am a cancer survivor.  In January of 2008 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and presented with a number of different options to treat the cancer.  After being very scared and weighing all of my options I decided to have robotic assisted surgery to have my prostate removed in March.

Three months after a successful surgery I was doing yard work and hurt my back.  I ended up with a bulging disk and a herniated disk in my back.  After two months of physical therapy, my therapist told me I should continue stretching and working out to reduce the chances of future problems with my back.  He recommended swimming. I told him that I did not know how.  He said, “LEARN!”

As I was learning how to swim at my local gym I began seeing and talking to more and more people who were training for triathlons.  I thought these people were crazy!  Pretty soon some of these crazy people suggested that I give it a try.  My wife Robbie and I decided to sign up for the 2011 Celebration Triathlon in Columbia.  While training for that race some friends were telling me about the Half Full Triathlon and how it was such a fun race and such a worthy cause.  After reading about the Half Full I decided to sign up for Olympic distance race before I had even raced my first triathlon.

Racing as a survivor was a very emotional experience that kind of blind-sided me.  At times, I tend to take things for granted.  There were two other survivors running the Olympic version of the Half Full.  Although I do not remember their names I do remember the women I met that morning.  One of them had battled breast cancer and the other had battled brain cancer.  I was truly amazed by their stories, strength, and that they were about to do the 40 mile race.   We received a great send off for the swim from all of the other racers doing the Olympic race.

Although the weather last year was very cold, the race was a great experience.  I was amazed at all the volunteers who were out there in the cold with the racers and all of the people on the side of the road cheering us on.  I was also amazed at all of the support and encouragement from fellow racers along the way—they really helped me get through the race. Running through inspiration mile was just that, very inspiring, and it really helped me get through the worst part of the race, the run.

The Half Full was just an amazing experience for me last year.  The race supports such a worthy cause that helps so many individuals as they battle this insidious disease.  As I am writing this note, I got a call from back home that my uncle was just operated on for colon cancer.  He is but one of the many individuals that I have known or heard about that has been afflicted by this awful disease.  I consider myself blessed and extremely lucky.  I hope to be doing the Half Full—my little contribution to the cause—for many years to come.

Why Deanne is Half Full

The week of Half Full will be 5 years since I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Soon after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in Oct 2007, I signed up for my first triathlon that I completed in June 2008 (The Philadelphia Triathlon, Olympic distance). I also joined a local triathlon club where I met my now husband. We married less than a year later in May 2009. Triathlon has become a meaningful part of my life!

I am happy to report that I have made a full recovery and am doing well. This race is a celebration for me of what I am physically able to do and what I have overcome. I am happy to be racing the Half Full that benefits the Ulman Cancer Fund, and I am very happy to have my husband cheering me on.