Todd Heap Gets in the FIGHT!

On Sunday, September 20^th, Baltimore Ravens Tight End Todd Heap was in San Diego scoring touchdowns in the team’s victory over the Chargers. Two days later Heap was not spending his day off sleeping through the jet lag or celebrating the Ravens win. He spent the day visiting with patients at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center through the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults' Patient Navigation program. He was celebrating a different kind of victory for the patients - a FIGHT - a victory in progress.

Heap began his tour of the hospital by meeting with Dr. Mothan Suntha, Vice Chair of Radiation Oncology and Associate Director of UMGCC. Dr. Suntha educated the tight end on the advanced technology that the cancer center offers its patients. Heap spent the rest of his time in the hospital visiting with the patients. He went door–to-door in various units of the cancer center.

The two-time Pro Bowler chatted with each patient and listened to their stories, struggles and triumphs. He would tell the patients how cancer has affected his life and family, and commended them on their strength and positive attitudes. Ladona Haley, a patient who is fighting cancer but still manages to be the Ravens # 1 fan, told Heap, “I am fighting this like you fight out there every Sunday.”

For a moment, these brave cancer fighters were able to forget about all of the challenges that they are facing in their lives or that lie ahead, and got the opportunity to meet an extraordinary athlete and incredible person. His impact was powerful and it was felt throughout the entire cancer center and cancer community. It is safe to say that the patients and employees will never forget the day # 86 came to visit. On behalf of all those who are living with, through and beyond cancer and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, thank you for FIGHTING, Todd!

"Cancer isn't Contagious, but HOPE is!"

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

"Cancer isn't contagious, but hope is!"
- Cindi Hart

On Monday I had the special honor of joining the Cyclist Combating Cancer for part of their Spokes of Hope ride into Washington, DC. Spokes of Hope is group of dedicated cancer survivors and care givers who are using cycling as a means to support the fight against cancer – they’re cycling from town to town and cancer center to center across the country to talk to patients and medical professionals about the importance of the cancer fight. Spreading the message of hope along the roads of our community, we rode from Towson, MD into downtown Baltimore City to visit staff and patients at the University of Maryland Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center. From meeting with the leadership of the Cancer Center to patients to medical professionals, the day was one filled with appreciation and admiration for all that’s being done by so many to fight this humbling disease.

A special thanks to all the Spokes of Hope riders and support team for taking on this initiative and for visiting the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults Young Adult Patient Navigation Program at the University of Maryland Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center. We’re honored to be a small part of their journey to bring change.

Another thank you to everyone at the University of Maryland Cancer Center (staff, patients & families included) for welcoming in the Cyclist Combating Cancer on this special visit and having drinks and cookies upon our arrival!

Brock Yetso
Executive Director

Cancer - We are going to FIGHT...and WIN!

As you know the cancer to 5K program has been a blessing for me. Afterdealing with cancer it has been great to have the support of a groupthat does not sit around. I was not a runner when I joined the cancerto 5K program and never thought I could run a 5k.

Thanks to you Holly,Arnetta, the support of the rest of the group and of course how patientCoach Bob has been with me, I was able to finish a couple of 5Ks andeven a 7 mile race. But being able to finish the races is not the onlybenefit. Running has also improved my tennis game. Therefore, for allyour support I am dedicating all my matches at my next tennis tournamentto the Cancer to 5K program. I will be playing singles and doubles atthe Capital Classic XVII, scheduled

for the weekend of Sept 12. Here are the details of the tournament. I hope that you can join me andfeel free to pass along the information to the rest of the group. Iwill be doing my best to win it for the Cancer to 5K. As with cancer,"Let's Fight and Win".

Take care.Denny

For more information on the Cancer to 5K Program, go to www.cancerto5k.com

A Note From an Incredible TEAM FIGHTER!

On Saturday, September 5th, 2009, Joel Wonicker-Cook set out at 4:00 a.m. to celebrate his 40th birthday. 4 a.m. is a little early for a party - but that is because Joel's party consisted of a 40 mile run! He ran 40 miles in 8 hours and 24 minutes through Palm Harbor, Florida in support of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and the Kids Wish Network.

The following is a note we received from Joel after his extraordinary accomplishment:

Hi,

Thank you.

I want to say thanks to you and all my supporters for your help with the 40/40 Run and our charities, Kids Wish Network and The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

We had an absolutely great day Saturday, beginning at 4:00am at Lansbrook Lakefront Park where a few hearty souls joined me on my odyssey. Kym Rivellini, who turned 40 years old herself September 4^th, joined me for the entire 40 miles. Throughout the day, I had more than 25 running and riding partners and I truly wouldn’t have made it without them. As Kym and I noted to each other “I get by with a little help from my friends . . .”

The first 20 miles clicked off like a metronome, with little challenge and not much suffering. The halfway point however was playing tricks on me. At that point, I began to have some stomach discomfort and my feet began to be uncomfortable. At the lap 5 rest stop, Kym handed me a banana, and it seemed to do wonders. The last two laps were much better.

Much better doesn’t mean easy. While most of the course was shaded, the sun was brutal along a one mile stretch of East Lake Road. We had to walk that stretch. Once we reached the mile 4 marker, we knew we had it in the bag and kicked up the pace. With help and support from so many friends, I crossed the finish line in a dead sprint; Kym finished a minute back to break the tape in triumph as well.

Again, thanks for making this an unforgettable birthday event (my actual birthday is 9/9/09) and for your support of Kids Wish & Ulman. We’ve just about reached our fundraising goal; if you’d like to help us cross this finish line, please visit http://www.4040run.com/charities.html.

Thanks,

Joel

http://www.4040run/.

Run with me. Run for them.

Congratulations to Joel! Way to FIGHT!