5 years ago UCF launched a formal initiative titled “Awareness Through Sport”. I wanted to share a little of the history behind this initiative as it is now my career! As and ex-jock, I am extremely thankful of how sport has played a major part in my life. Sport gives us all a platform to be on a stage in front of many people focusing on that event and the participants taking part in that activity. SO…when I began to volunteer with UCF and was looking for ways in which I could be of value to the organization whose mission was so important to me, I continually gravitated to the sport initiatives. At that time, UCF had a partnership with Iron Girl as a National Beneficiary. They had a small team that allowed participants to raise money and participate in the various Iron Girl events around the country. The first event I saw with UCF was the Iron Girl Triathlon in Columbia, Maryland. The team had about 15 participants in the event and wow were they energetic and passionate. I remember the pre-race dinner where I had the opportunity to talk to many of the women who were racing the next day and was truly inspired. This obviously left a mark as I quickly worked with Kelly Lance in our office to see if there was a way to build a team that could become ambassadors of UCF and raise awareness around our community for the great work that we do.
This was not easy, but we indeed did it! The TEAM has grown to a point where we will have about 500 members this year and above all, we have continued to raise awareness and funds to help support young adults who are battling cancer and their loved ones. Wow have we come a long way Kelly! I can still remember Kelly and I talking through the wall that separated our offices about who needed help fundraising and who needed help riding their bike or getting the right size tri suit.
TEAM FIGHT has never been about a one race, one personal record or even one person. TEAM FIGHT is a support system for over 500 people who lean on each other when they need it. TEAM FIGHT has become a support program where people can share their stories about cancer with like-minded people who just plain CARE! So the title AWARENESS THROUGH SPORT might have just morphed into AWARENESS AND SUPPORT THROUGH SPORT! Now that is cool and powerful.
I have learned so much in the last 5 years about the power of the spirit behind TEAM FIGHT. That spirit continues to be magnetic as each year new people are introduced to the team and welcomed with open arms. We laugh, we cry, we FIGHT …as a TEAM. Strength in numbers…. That is TEAM FIGHT!
TEAM FIGHT’S success has been the foundation and platform that has supported many of the other programs of UCF. By attracting large numbers of people who we could then share our mission with and they could spread the word to our community, our region, our country.
So why sport programs? Not because it is cool, but it IS! Not because people are competitive! Not because you get a cool uniform! Not because you can get entries to closed out races! BUT because sport is one of the few platforms that can put a TEAM in front of thousands of people at a time where they can’t help but get noticed.
So my ex-jock theory/plan is simple, this year 500 people will be wearing the TEAM FIGHT uniform and best yet they will be parading their passionate selves in front of hundreds of thousands of people! There will be a SEA OF YELLOW at over 20 events this year. These generous people are our magnets. People will gravitate towards them and ask, “What is TEAM FIGHT” and these people will share their stories about cancers affect on their lives. THAT IS AWARENESS and this is TEAM FIGHT! Come fight with us www.teamfight.org
A few months ago I received an email from Brandon Chalmers who works for an organization called Super Art Fight (SAF). Having never heard of Super Art Fight, I (of course) Googled the organization to find out more. What I found was a very unique approach to art entertainment; think art meets Comic-Con meets a pictionary game show. From SAF Idol to the Wheel of Death (a audience driven topic generator with timed intervals), the audience is entertained by artists (sometimes dressed as their alter egos) battling each other for artistic superiority as determined by the audience’s cheering enthusiasm. The best way to experience SAF is to actually see it in action at the Metro Gallery on Saturday, May 19th from Noon until Midnight. The Metro Gallery is located at 1700 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Or if you can’t attend, make a donation here!
After seeing all of this, we enthusiastically accepted SAF’s offer to name The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults as the benefiting charity of the Baltimore Super Art Fest! Then I thought – why did they choose UCF? There are lots of charitable organizations out there SAF could have selected and I am glad I asked. The posts below speak volumes as to the impact cancer makes in the lives of young adults and how UCF is very much needed to help these young adults by providing support and resources in dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Marty Day, Super Art Fight Host
As one of the most frequently heard voices within Super Art Fight, I’ve come to feel like a face of the organization. Since our first show in 2008, we’ve strived hard to be one of the most unique live events in the world, giving artists a unique platform to showcase themselves, and to put together an event where the audience feels just as included and as key to the action as every personality that takes the stage.
We’ve had a very lucky run these past few years, and as our fourth birthday started to
Mary Day, Super Art Fight Host Extraordinaire
approach, we knew that we had to give back. It was just a year ago that I arbitrarily blurted out on stage to the Metro Gallery’s owner, Sarah, that we should try to do a long form event for charity. Little did I realize that we would be doing one a year later, and for such a great cause.
You might be wondering – why has Super Art Fight picked the cause they have? Why Ulman Cancer Fund? Let me tell you a little story why.
While on stage I project a whip smart, confident persona, my life has been shaped and formed by a number of difficult situations. Like many others, my life has been touched by Cancer. I lost my grandfather to Cancer. I lost an uncle to Cancer. But two very key people in my life have not only had Cancer, but survived it.
My own mother is a Cancer survivor, having been diagnosed in her early twenties with Thyroid cancer. She lives on now, decades later (although she’d never want me to share her age), with years of remission behind her. Another person, very close to me, one of the most important people in my life, now has a number of cancerless years behind her, diagnosed at the young age of 18.
It’s weird how similar their experiences are. Knocked for a loop with an unexpected fate at a key age in their lives. Thrown into a fight that not everyone wins. And what is so weird, and what is such a shame, is they faced the same problems – the alienation one feels when thrust into the fight of literally their lives. They each felt alone, but in themselves found the strength to lift them up and carry on into good health and a better life.
They’re living wonderful lives now, but as soon as I first heard of the Ulman Cancer Fund, I couldn’t help but wonder how much better their fights could have been with an organization as amazing as UCF behind them. Ulman Cancer Fund gives young adults effected by cancer an amazing network of fellow patients, survivors and supporters to give them the extra inch they need one of the hardest conflicts of their lives. They tirelessly support those who have been effected, patient, survivor and supporter alike with free get togethers, college scholarships and a never ending series of classes, meetings and support groups in order to not just make the hard times, but the times of healing as great as they can be.
I’ve seen our audience. Early twenties, kids in the prime of their lives. And there would be nothing sadder to me than to see one of them have to go into the fight for their lives without someone like Ulman by their side. Ulman Cancer Fund is doing amazing work, for amazing people, and it’s an honor to dedicate my time, energy and effort in one of the biggest undertakings of my career to support such an organization. I hope you’re wiling to support them as much as I am.
Brandon Chalmers, Super Art Fight Logistics / Referee
Before early last year my experience with people who were fighting cancer was minimal. My girlfriend’s father, Ron Zeman sadly lost his battle with cancer on Friday, May 11th.
Brandon’s girlfriend Kelly with her Father Ron Zeman
What started as just esophageal spread to his stomach. He had endured both chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Every day I tried to support her and her family while she watched her father fight this force of nature. I never got the opportunity to spend time with him before his diagnosis. When I met him he had already started treatment. I only know the man who wanted nothing more than to see tomorrow. It broke my heart to have seen such a great man have to fight so hard. If I accomplish half of what he has, I would consider myself a success. To hear the stories and how he’s impacted the lives of so many just blows me away. In the short time I’ve known him he has made me a better man. He’s shown me the importance of family. He also reminded me how important it is to stand behind the ones you love, no matter the cost. He was lucky enough to have been graced with an amazing family and support group. Not all are so lucky…
A few months ago I got the idea of doing a Super Art Fight charity show. I brought up the idea to the rest of the crew and they loved it. It was then that Marty, one of our hosts suggested the Ulman Cancer Fund. I didn’t know anything about UCF. That’s when I found out everything they do for young people who don’t have the support they need. It was a perfect match. Knowing that we can help support UCF and give people our age a fighting chance is more motivation then I’ll ever need. UCF helps give people their lives back. I can’t wait to do everything I can to help. I hope everyone will come see us do what we do best, SAF! Even if it’s only to support UCF do what they do best.
We are inspired more than ever by his passing to help Ulman do the amazing work they do! Ron always wanted us to celebrate his life and I can’t think of a better way. Please come out and support one of the greatest nonprofits in the world!
Samantha Kelly, Super Art Fight & UCF Supporter
First, I want to thank UCF for everything they do, and Super Art Fight, for choosing this wonderful organization to raise funds for. Cancer has touched my life in so many ways and I appreciate everything that cancer organizations do for those they serve and support.
My first experience with cancer came in my early teens when my great aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember how saddened and angry I was upon learning of her
Samantha Kelly introduced UCF to Super Art Fight host, Marty Day
diagnosis, but to comfort myself I would say things like, “she’s older, things like this happen when you get old,” and “it’s her time.” To me, cancer was something that just came with age. Her passing was my first experience with death, and had a pretty big impact on how I understood and approached life.
Many years later, at the age of 18, I’d feel that impact again. I was diagnosed with papillary carcinoma (thyroid cancer) as a sophomore in college. I remember so distinctly how nothing that came after the words “you have cancer” made any sense to me. I didn’t hear a word my doctor said. I spent the rest of my appointment just trying to wrap my head around that sentence. I had cancer at 18 years old. DOES NOT COMPUTE!
I went on to battle cancer three times, over the span of five years. One constant throughout my journey was a feeling of isolation and the search for support. Above all, support from individuals my age. I was given the phone numbers of family friends or friends of friends who were also fighting cancer, but in talking to them I just felt more and more isolated. They were worried about how they were going to support their families and maintain a job. I was worried how on earth I’d find a boyfriend, how to pass my full-time schedule of classes so I could keep my health insurance, and if I’d live long enough to have a family of my own. I went on to find comfort and support from an online community of cancer survivors, many of them my age. My life was touched by those I met, both virtually and in person, and I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through those five years without those connections.
A few years ago, my Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was in a unique position, as a daughter who had been in her shoes. I did everything I could to support her, but one of my first suggestions to her was to find a support group of women her age and with her type of cancer. She took my advice, began attending a breast cancer support group, and has even gone on to mentor newly diagnosed patients. My Mom is doing well and is now in remission.
I didn’t learn of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults until after my cancer battle (I’M 5 YEARS CANCER FREE!!!), but the services and support that UCF provides to young adult cancer patients and survivors is just what I was in search during my five year battle. I wish I had learned of it sooner. I’ve referred many friends and acquaintances to the organization over the past few years. The social opportunities and support services it offers do so much to improve the quality of life of all those who participate. The love, support and community of a cancer patient or survivor is their foundation and beacon of light.
I hope to work with the organization in the future to give back and, again, I thank them for all that they do. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
There are only a handful of moments in my life that, when I close my eyes, I can still remember almost every little detail about that exact moment – where I was, what I was feeling, the sounds, the smells – everything. What makes those moments exceptionally extraordinary is the fact that you can remember not only the physical details, but the emotional ones as well.
It was late August 2005 and a brutally hot and humid day in downtown Washington, DC when my phone buzzed. It was my boyfriend, Nate. He was calling to tell me that the doctor’s visit– the one I had been hounding him about ever since he felt an abnormal lump – did not go well. In fact, the doctor thought he had cancer.
He was 22 years old.
Me and Nate at the 2005 Baltimore Running Festival. Nate ran the 5K, his first race, in 22:42. Two days later, he started chemotherapy at Johns Hopkins.
After an orchiectomy, biopsy and CT scan (all which happened within a week), he was officially diagnosed with stage II testicular cancer.
About half way through his chemo treatment, Nate decided he needed others who could relate to his experience. He wanted to talk to people who knew what it was like to be caught in “cancer purgatory” – not young enough to fully identify with pediatric patients, not far enough into adulthood to identify with older cancer patients… but just unique enough to have an entirely different spectrum of concerns and issues.
We found the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults just in time to attend one of their Cancer Unplugged events – hearing from a young adult survivor helped Nate really open up about going through cancer. Simply knowing that there were actually other patients, survivors and their families out there that had gone through similar experiences was exactly what we needed. I had the opportunity to speak spouses, parents, and siblings of young adult patients and survivors and learn how to be the best support system I could be for him during the tough times. We left the event feeling something we had not felt since before his diagnosis. Hope.
I wanted to introduce myself with the story about Nate who, six years later is now my husband, because that single moment – the one where he went from being a healthy young man to cancer patient – was a carefully placed stone in my path to the Ulman Cancer Fund. Here I am, six years later, as the new Program Director for the Awareness through Sports programs. I could not be happier to be part of the Ulman Cancer Fund family. In a recent email, Diana Ulman said that I’d come “full circle” – from someone whose loved one benefited from the Ulman Cancer Fund to someone who could help others going through similar experiences.
UCF has always done valuable and meaningful work in not only raising awareness for the young adult population through the Awareness through Sports programs, but also providing those valuable direct services to young adults affected by cancer– from patient navigation to scholarships to support groups. I’ve had the privilege of watching (Brock referred to it as “stalking” in my interview) the organization grow since that Cancer Unplugged event in 2006.
Nate and Krissy were married in June of 2011.
On April 16th, 2012, my first day at the Ulman Cancer Fund, the Run Across America team was finishing their cross-country journey at Georgetown’s Lombardi Cancer Center. Watching an amazing group of passionate individuals cross the finish line, greeted by cheering family and friends, and knowing that their stories have inspired so many people, was one of those rare moments – like the one I experienced when Nate first told me he had cancer. I will always remember the little physical details – where I was, the sights, the sounds, the smells.
But above all, I will remember how I felt at that exact moment – exceptionally grateful, thankful and blessed to be officially part of the Ulman Cancer Fund family.
Written by:
Krissy Kraczkowsky
Program Director, Awareness Through Sports Initiatives
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
CALLING ALL BALTIMORE-AREA YOUNG ADULT CANCER SURVIVORS!
Saturday, June 2, 2012 marks the 5th Annual Y.E.S. (Young Adults Embracing Survivorship) Program at the Y of Central Maryland, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Family Center at Stadium Place (the former site of the historic Memorial Stadium).
Young adult survivors and patients in their 20s and 30s, as well as family members and loved ones, are invited to attend this day of education, peer support, and FUN!
This year’s theme is Enhancement of Survivorship through Complementary and Integrative Therapies. Participants will be able to choose between small groups on acupuncture, meditation, reiki and massage. Breakfast and lunch will be served and a large group discussion will take place on nutrition.
Remember that you are a cancer “survivor” from the day of diagnosis and family members and loved ones are truly “co-survivors.” We promise this will be a day you do not want to miss! Attendees in the past have joined us from all over the Baltimore region and have made connections and friendships that have lasted through all of the ups and downs cancer can throw at us. In addition to learning about ways that you can promote healing and care for your body and spirit, you will have the opportunity to learn about all of the programs offered by the Ulman Cancer Fund and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as well as win some fabulous door prizes!!!
The Y.E.S. Program is entirely free, childcare is available and transportation assistance is offered to those participants who qualify. Y.E.S. is a project of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society- Maryland Chapter, Towson University Department of Nursing and our very generous hosts for the last 5 years, the Y of Central Maryland Stadium Place.
Driving across America with the RV, I was totally excited about everything! I wasn’t sure how everything was going to go down, but I was up in this to get it done! There are so many awesome people at the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, members of Team Fight, and Rev3 that you know it is going to be a memorable time!
When Brian and Brock told us about the dedication circle (UCF’s way to bring perspective and inspiration to the cancer fight by having individuals dedicate the day to someone affected by cancer) I really wasn’t sure what to say – my mind always races a mile a minute so I would say something from the heart and previous experiences. It was a great way to start the day because it got your mind right; The reason for the run! That was my line I dropped like at least a million times when I was handing out RAA cards and UCF stickers throughout the run. And it’s what usually resulted in a handshake. I’m not talking about a “hey nice to meet you at Starbucks for your large coffee in the morning handshake”, I’m talking about a handshake that would send shivers through you like you were shaking the hand of Zeus midway a lightning bolt throw!
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One may ask, “Why is it like that”? It is because no matter where you went or who you talked to, that person or someone they know has been affected by cancer. The lady at the liquor store drive through, the toll booth attendant on 412 in Oklahoma, the checkout guy at AutoZone, the lady filling up behind me at a gas station in Tennesee, etc. That list is way longer but you get my point! Cancer is so widespread and I had no idea. You can read statistics in a book and say, “WOW! that’s a lot”, but if you go out there and talk to people about it you understand it from a whole new level. I was totally wicked bummed that I busted my foot and couldn’t run the whole thing. But I also feel like it was a blessing in disguise because I was able to help all the other runners get up and out there to do the incredible by being part of the like, WOAH support team! By being part of the support crew, I was able to interact more with people along the way and get the word out about UCF, which brought lots of thanks, tears, and appreciation.
This whole Run was more than the Run, it was about the Reason! If you relate this run to building sandcastles on the beach – we all did way more than build a castle. We built Trump Towers and the Chicago skyline including the lake and river!!!!! Best time ever, memories I will never forget! Thank you to everyone!!!!!!!!!
~ Christopher Jarc
Chris, the self described “facilitator of needs”, is a member of the Rev3 family and a crucial support person. He was key in the Run Across America by providing unparalleled support for the runners and in spreading the “REASON” for the run to individuals across the country. His dedication and enthusiasm were key in keeping spirits high over the course of the journey. He is also the creator and master of the “heel slap chest pop” and gives an awesome high five!
Lindsay here. As a first time blogger I thought I would start by introducing myself. I am one of the Ulman Cancer Fund’s Young Adult Patient Navigators and I work at Georgetown University Hospital’s Lombardi Cancer Center. I am so excited to be on team at UCF and be a part of all the wonderful things going on throughout the organization!
As you can easily see, there is A LOT going on at the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. We just ran across America, we’re starting new support groups, reviewing scholarship applications, and getting ready to bike across the U.S.! It is safe to say we are very busy!
In the midst of all of these wonderful activities, I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about a special person who was recently honored at the Run Across America Reception this past week.
Meet Lauren. Lauren is a young adult cancer survivor that I met through my work at Georgetown. Lauren is currently a student at the University and reached out to me to get some more information on our organization. Seeing as she is a student and an aspiring doctor (aka lover of school) she was very interested in our scholarship program. Lauren applied for our various scholarships and much to her surprise, she was awarded the Rev 3/UCF scholarship last week.
It has been a pleasure getting to know Lauren. Her enthusiasm about the young adult fight against cancer is infectious. Lauren will be the first person to tell you that while her cancer treatment is behind her, the disease has become a part of her everyday life. She is incredibly inspiring and has found numerous ways to find meaning through her cancer experience. She mentors others who are currently coping with a recent diagnosis, speaks to groups large and small about her personal experience, and has made a life decision to help others in need by attending medical school and becoming a physician.
Lauren is too humble to tell you all of this on her own, so I am honored to tell you about her and her amazing accomplishments. The Ulman Cancer Fund is so thrilled to award her with this financial assistance and help her achieve her dream of becoming a doctor. We have no doubt that she will excel in her profession and continue to advocate for young adults with cancer.
Lauren Antognoli received the 2012 Revolution3 Triathlon scholarship on April 16th! (Pictured with UCF Staff: Lindsay Ammons, Brock Yetso & Brian Satola and Rev3 Staff: Eric Opdyke & the Pattens Charlie Sr. & Debbie)
The journey is over. Did it even happen? Three weeks in RVs and Vans running across AMERICA. When you say it out loud it sounds so IMPOSSIBLE, but we just did it.
So what else could be POSSIBLE… that we think is not?
There are so many layers to this thing. So many different directions I could take this. I could blog about this all year and not get to the bottom of how life changing it was for me. Before I left my friend Nicole suggested that I journal throughout the journey. I sat in the airport and tried… with nothing to say. How could I begin to ponder or fathom what was about to happen to me.
During the first week I said – many times – “I keep waiting for the deep thoughts to hit during my runs, but all I can think about is “insert random food items here”.”
As time went by the energy … physical and mental … ebbed and flowed for all of us. We watched as our bodies would be beat down only to come out the next day with extra energy and a kick in our step. We faced adversity with in ourselves and with in the group, but we came out the other side.
We embarked on this journey to raise funds and awareness… which we did. Sometimes we raised awareness by stirring the pot with the local authorities, but awareness is awareness right? What touched me the most during this journey were the sheer numbers of people we met along the way who had been touched by cancer in one way or another. The stories of tearful tales at the gas station, the man that gave his last twenty dollars when we know he didn’t have two to rub together, the ladies he worked with that gave the last dollars in their wallets, the people who requested our picture with their grand daughter’s flat Stanley, the reporter that had Hodgkins Lymphoma and Ellen who lost her husband some years ago. We touched these people’s lives. We let them know that people DO care about their struggles and that people still fight!
Ulman has stickers that say “Cancer changes lives, So do we.” I love this!
The fight is far from over. It turns out that this wasn’t about the run. It wasn’t about the physical and emotional discomfort we felt through our journey. It was that we shared that with all those that are fighting, have fought and will fight. During circle one morning my team mate Anne Moore said that in Catholic religion you can suffer FOR someone… thus taking some of their pain away. From that day forward that is what I tried to focus on. When I felt tired or in pain I soldiered on trying to shoulder the burden and take the pain away from someone else.
As was said many times during our journey… if we made a positive impact on ONE person’s life through this process then it was 100% worth all of it.
The running wasn’t hard. Cancer is hard. Running is easy! There are many impossible things out there on the horizon for all of us, but are they really? Are they impossible… or do YOU just THINK they are.
Funds are still being raised. We want to reach our mark. We have another $60k to go! Please consider a contribution in honor of all of those that ARE suffering right now. That are facing challenges you can’t even begin to fathom. UCF can not HELP those people without donations from people like you.
- Laura Mount
Laura is a member of the Run Across America team and races for Revolution3 Triathlon’s amateur athlete age group team. She is also a spin instructor and an active mother of 2. Follow her blog here: http://www.wifemotherathlete.com/
It is National Volunteer Appreciation week and as the Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on how much our volunteers mean to us at the Ulman Cancer Fund. Volunteers are so critical to our mission at the UCF, they help us with every aspect of our organization and every cog is so important to the wheel that keeps us rolling…. Some of our most energetic and enthusiastic volunteers come from cancer survivors and their support networks whom other volunteers have helped! It is an awesome upward spiral!
We have such an amazing group of volunteers that continuously answer the (many) calls for action and sign up whenever we ask, without question. Whether it is speaking in front of hundreds or to a small group, using your graphic design talents, serving dinner at the Hope Lodge, setting up tents, or passing out water bottles at the Columbia Triathlon expo, or coming in to help in the office, every hour you spend helping the UCF supports our mission to support, educate, and connect young adults and their loved ones affected by cancer. We are so grateful that you choose to share your time, talents, and enthusiastic energy with us and can’t thank you enough!
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Enjoy the pictures of some of our volunteers in action, and please watch the video below from two awesome volunteers on our staff who are doing a year of service through Volunteer Maryland!
Cancer Changes Lives… and thanks to YOU, so do WE!
The resounding message I have continue to have in my mind and heart about the Run Across America was that it was never about a run. This journey was about the people.
This journey was about:
Laura reading the story of Carlos, a young adult battling cancer who had to tell his 10-year-old that he had cancer.
Asking Mike to head out on the run 100+ miles in 6 days even though he was preparing to run the Boston Marathon a week later.
Having Eric keep us on track and reminding us that this “Was Not Hard” compared to what those who are battling cancer have to go through.
Learning of Zody’s story about resigning from her job to follow her passion.
One of our own, Rachel, willing to step in when numbers were low to support the team… no questions asked.
Kelsey, a young adult cancer survivor, sharing her camp songs in the van on a long and tiring midnight shift when we needed a giggle.
Getting to know Harmony who took time away from her family and husband Ryan who is in the middle of his FIGHT. I still remember the tears and the hug as she boarded the plane back to WA.
Tearing up when I learned that Debbie and Senior stepped in and ran a few segments when the team needed more support.
Alyssa renting a car to drive to some random town in WV so she could meet up with the team and add some mileage without adding any burden to the team.
Seeing Meg not lose one ounce of energy before, during and after her time with the team.
Brock continuing to grab the yellow flag and make sure we kept focused on the mission.
Giving Ellen a hug when I finally had a chance to meet her.
Seeing Kiersten roll her ankle on her first day and remain with the team every step of the way.
Seeing Allan playing soccer with the kids after a long day of running.
Getting to know Pastor John and realizing the impact he has had on the Rev3 family and they on him.
Kati and Paul taking time away from a vacation to put miles in to support the team.
Sitting back and watching the team interact with communities and sharing with them the Mission of UCF.
Chris always being on hand to provide content for laughter no matter where we were.
Carter/Conrad/Colton/Carmine taking time out of his schedule to join us less than a week after leg surgery.
Amy, Meg and Kelsey leading the team to the finish line.
A young woman named Ashley who continued to educate me on a hourly basis.
Understanding Krista’s mothers battle.
Holding hands each day with people that we really didn’t know 3 weeks ago and sharing our inspiration through words and tears.
Seeing Mike join in again on the run on the dirt back roads outside of Blacksburg because he wanted to help us out.
Sharpie always willing to do “something” to make us laugh when we needed it.
Jay grabbing the camera to make sure that everyone was well represented and working to keep the website update in his “free” time.
Knowing that when it was time to stop, eat and rest that Debbie, Senior and Chris would be there waiting with open arms.
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This was never about running and I am so thankful to everyone that was involved in this journey. It has truly left a mark in my heart and I am still working to understand the magnitude. This has truly enhanced my appreciation for the great lengths that people will go for others. True selfless acts and I am so proud to call these people friends!
Almost 21 days ago, an amazing group of people embarked on a epic journey to run across america to raise money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. This Rev3 Triathlon Run Across America Team will finish their 3,080 Mile journey on Monday April 16, 2012 at 2 PM in Washington, DC at Georgetown University Hospital.
Runners that have been a part of the run at various points, please consider joining the team for the last two Miles!
Family, friends and supporters that want to come out to cheer them on, please join us!
Run Across America Finish Line Details
The runners are scheduled to finish on Monday, April 16th on the roof of the Leavey Student Center next to Georgetown University Hospital at 2:00 PM. We would love for you to join us to help cheer the runners on to the finish of the Run Across America (RAA). The core group of runners have been running since March 26th! Your support and cheers will be a warm reception and pick me up for them to reach the finish line! So grab a friend, bring your family and be ready to make some noise to welcome the runners to end of their EPIC journey. If you’re able to attend, please arrive by 1:00 PM to give ample time to park and to reach the area where they will finish. If you would like to help with set-up, please email Brock prior to 4/15.
RAA Finish Location Leavey Center Esplanade (roof of this building)
3800 Reservoir Road, N.W.
Washington, DC 20057-1087 http://maps.georgetown.edu/directory/ There is parking in the building
Please see our press release on the finish of the run and below are some details around the finish activities.
Timeline of RAA Finish Activities on Monday, April 16, 2012
11:00 AM – Set-up: UCF tents, food, finish line arch, flags and fencing
1:45 PM – RAA Vans, RV’s and Runners Arrive at Key Bridge Marriott. Runners leave Key Bridge Marriott with two support vans, run across Key Bridge and around Reservoir Rd. into entrance of Georgetown Hospital (2 Miles).
2:00 PM – Finish at Georgetown University Hospital Lombardi Cancer Center on the Leavy Center Esplanade (roof/garden of student union next to cancer center that overlooks campus).
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM – RAA Finish Celebration including food and drinks with finishers, Rev3 team, UCF team and Georgetown University Hospital team
5 PM – Private RAA Finisher Reception for runners and families at The Tombs
The Tombs
1226 36th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
5 years ago UCF launched a formal initiative titled “Awareness Through Sport”. I wanted to share a little of the history behind this initiative as it is now my career! As and ex-jock, I am extremely thankful of how sport has played a major part in my life. Sport gives us all a platform to be on a stage in front of many people focusing on that event and the participants taking part in that activity. SO…when I began to volunteer with UCF and was looking for ways in which I could be of value to the organization whose mission was so important to me, I continually gravitated to the sport initiatives. At that time, UCF had a partnership with Iron Girl as a National Beneficiary. They had a small team that allowed participants to raise money and participate in the various Iron Girl events around the country. The first event I saw with UCF was the Iron Girl Triathlon in Columbia, Maryland. The team had about 15 participants in the event and wow were they energetic and passionate. I remember the pre-race dinner where I had the opportunity to talk to many of the women who were racing the next day and was truly inspired. This obviously left a mark as I quickly worked with Kelly Lance in our office to see if there was a way to build a team that could become ambassadors of UCF and raise awareness around our community for the great work that we do.
This was not easy, but we indeed did it! The TEAM has grown to a point where we will have about 500 members this year and above all, we have continued to raise awareness and funds to help support young adults who are battling cancer and their loved ones. Wow have we come a long way Kelly! I can still remember Kelly and I talking through the wall that separated our offices about who needed help fundraising and who needed help riding their bike or getting the right size tri suit.
the other programs of UCF. By attracting large numbers of people who we could then share our mission with and they could spread the word to our community, our region, our country.
So my ex-jock theory/plan is simple, this year 500 people will be wearing the TEAM FIGHT uniform and best yet they will be parading their passionate selves in front of hundreds of thousands of people! There will be a SEA OF YELLOW at over 20 events this year. These generous people are our magnets. People will gravitate towards them and ask, “What is TEAM FIGHT” and these people will share their stories about cancers affect on their lives. THAT IS AWARENESS and this is TEAM FIGHT! Come fight with us www.teamfight.org 
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
Kelly Lance
Brian Satola
Brock Yetso
Kristin Johnson
Elizabeth Saylor
Jennie Burke
Kelly Schwab
rachelwiederhold
cplustig
Laura Scruggs
stephenhersey
moodyel
