Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

The UCF Blog has MOVED!

2010-10-22T16:58:00.002-04:00

You can now find the UCF blog on HERE!

Welcome, Ashley Portrey!

2010-10-18T14:35:00.000-04:00

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults has a long history with Volunteer Maryland whose mission is to build stronger and healthier communities by empowering Marylanders to take action. The UCF received it's first Volunteer Maryland Coordinator in 2002. Ashley will be working on the Peer Mentor Program, University Outreach and creating Ambassadors of the UCF in Baltimore. Now, we welcome Ashley Portrey to our team. Here is a little bit more about Ashley, in her own words...

"I am a graduate of Shepherd University with a BA in psychology. I am currently in a Masters program at Hood College. I am studying Thanatology, which is the study of death dying and bereavement counseling. Specifically, I want to use my degree as a way to help those going through times of bereavement. I want to help those who are faced with a harsh diagnosis to those individuals who are at the end of their fight. I want to be a support to the family members as well. I came to UCF because the mission is something very close to my heart. I am very aware of what cancer can do to a person and to a family. People need support, they need education, and they need to be connected with others who are going through the same fight. My family has been riddled with cancer. My grandfather died of lung cancer, two of my aunts and one cousin died of breast cancer, one of my best friends died at 22 with stomach cancer, and my mom is a two time survivor of cervical cancer and melanoma. I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when I was 23 years old. I was given amazing support from my family but I would have loved to have known about UCF. I know that educating the community about cancer in young adults is important. I am very excited to begin my year with UCF."

Baltimore Running Festival 2010

2010-10-11T10:04:00.000-04:00

As the office tries to regain balance after the excitement of Half Full, the final Team Fight event of the season is also sneaking up on us. There will be a whopping 53 Team Fight members participating in The Baltimore Running Festival; 21 of them competing in the half marathon.

Something unique about the Baltimore Running Festival, as an Ulman Cancer Fund event, will be the presence of the Cancer to 5K Program. Baltimore Running Festival is the culmination of the 12-week training program. There will be 14 Cancer to 5K champions completing their end goal of the program: a 5K. Because of a partnership with Mady & Mules the UCF was able to bring the Cancer to 5K program to Howard County for the first time.

There is a sense of deep, deep pride affiliated with the Cancer to 5K Program unlike any other. Being witness to the physical success of these individuals can be very emotional. Cancer to 5K is about completing a race, but most important it is about regaining strength and power. The camaraderie of the group is like the bond of a new family.

In the lingering energy and spirit of Half Full, I encourage all participants and spectators to take photos, videos and capture comments of your experience on race day! What makes you Half Full? Share your story with us at: http://www.halffulltri.r2ismash.com/

I’m wishing all the Cancer to 5K crew a wonderful race. I can’t wait to cheer you on…

Sarah Wainio

Program Coordinator, Mission Engagement

What Half Full Means to the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

2010-10-06T17:53:00.003-04:00

Just days after the inaugural Half Full Triathlon and I'm still overcome with emotion from the overwhelming amount of support I witnessed from volunteers, sponsors, spectators and participants. To everyone involved with making this event a success and being a part of our Half Full movement - THANK YOU! To all the athletes that participated in the event - congratulations! Half Full was a success for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults for many reasons. Some of the ones that stuck out to me were:

The events ability to bring people together over a weekend to talk about cancer and the unique needs of young adults
Peoples willingness to share stories about how they've been touched by cancer
Successfully creating a platform in our community to promote health and wellness, offer support and reinforce the importance of hope in the face of cancer.
An event where cancer survivors can be recognized for what they CAN do!

Yes, we also raised funds that are critical to sustaining and enhancing our programs for young adults and families facing cancer, like patient navigation, college scholarships and peer support, but I'm just personally blown away by the impact we can have as a community when we simply come together and take a half full approach to fighting this disease.

Half Full began as a vision some 18 months ago, between a small group of people. It has grown to include all of YOU. Half Full was truly an effort of the masses and the numbers behind the field tell the story...

1000+ participants
500+ volunteers
100+ county law enforcement and emergency service professionals
100 cancer survivors participating
400+ athletes participating in honor or memory of someone
100+ relay teams
130+ first time triathletes
Athletes from 28 different states: 680 people from Maryland, 4 from California, 20 from Washington DC. Athletes from New York, New Jersey, North Carolina,Utah, Nebraska, Connecticut, Virginia, and Maine!

Brock Yetso with Aaron Lyss, first cancer survivor finisher and Brian Satola.

As we close the the door on the 2010 Half Full Triathlon we open up the door to the boundless opportunity of 2011 and beyond. Half Full may have started as a 70 mile triathlon, but I'm getting the feeling it's a lot more than that to many people. So buckle up folks and hang on - the Ulman Cancer Fund for Yuong Adults is excited to keep this bus moving and we're hopeful you will stick around and recruit more family and friends to join us!

Brock Yetso
Executive Director

In addition, I would like to share a blog written by Nicole Kelleher, 2010 NCAA Triathlon Champion and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults Scholarship Recipient:

This weekend I had the honor of participating in truly the most special event I have ever taken part in. The inaugural Half Full Triathlon drew over a 1000 participants and 400 volunteers (do the ratio on that!) this past Sunday in Columbia Maryland to raise support and awareness for young adults battling cancer. I can guarantee that there has never been a more impressive inaugural event. Headlining the event were Rebecca and Laurel Wassner (the only pro triathlete who has beaten cancer) as well as Eric Shanteau (also a cancer survivor, 2008 Olympian and American Record Holder in the 200m breast stroke) and Doug Ulman (the CEO of Livestrong). This event was run by the Ulman Cancer Fund, a young adult alliance organization with Livestrong, and 100% of race registration went directly to their cause of advocating for and supporting the largely marginalized and under-served population of cancer patients that are young adults in this country.

The Triathlon itself cannot be captured through words on paper. From the incredible major media coverage, the nicest most helpful volunteers on the planet!, amazing gift bag, impressive expo, free Chipotle, free McDonalds, free lace locks, Oakley raffles ect, ect ,ect It had EVERYTHING and even more that you would find at the largest, most well-know triathlon in the country. This event has obviously inspired major support from all directions. This is going to be a HUGE event in the future and an important movement in the triathlon world. The distance was a 70 mile race with a .9mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 run. The distance is significant in that it represents the 70,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer in the US each year. What I really want to talk about is exactly what that means at this race and why this race is different.

I woke up Sunday morning looking forward to helping my relay team with the swim portion of the race, but I was mostly excited because I knew I was about to witness triathlon in a new light. I was right about that. The swim was gorgeous, pancake flat, smooth water. And our relay team won the relay division as well as had the fastest overall time of the day- owing not at all to my swim but by an insane 1:17 half marathon by James Linville and an impressive bike by Scott McAims. And 3 of the top 5 relay teams were from UVA (out of 100 relays!). So UVA had an incredible day. But what was different about the race had nothing to do with the performances of just that day.

Standing at the finish line I witnessed cancer survivor after cancer survivor cross under the large finishing banner, past the photographers, announcers and TV cameras. Most of them would stumble a little after the line as they dropped their faces into their hands and started to weep. These were often very young people. And even more often, these were people that had never done a triathlon before and now had just completed a 70 mile race after battling cancer. Could they have ever imagined being in the finishers ring of such an event the months or years before when they sat in a stark hospital room with a line of chemotherapy streaming into their veins or confronted their mortality in quiet hours alone somewhere – all at such an unimaginably young age? Looking around, people all along the course carried signs with photos and memories of loved ones lost too early- and yet there was hope there too. I was not the only one that noticed. The event was permeated with a hope that cannot be destroyed. Everyone felt it together.

This is one of too many examples to cite during this sacred day. To recommend this race like I have others would not be doing the event justice. This is a race for anyone who has ever doubted that triathlon could change the world or anyone who wants to witness what that change looks like in full display. I hadn’t ever seen it before; but now I have- and I know now that this sport is much bigger than I realized.

Nicole Kelleher and her Half Full friends, first place relay team!

Be a part of Half Full Triathlon!

2010-09-22T16:53:00.000-04:00

Half Full Triathlon LIVE!

Powered by Social Media Partner

Half Full Triathlon is more than just a race. Half Full is about a fight. It’s about people. It’s about stories. The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF) wants to know what has brought you to participate in this 70-mile fight representing the 70,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer each year. What got you to the starting line?

There are many ways to share your story; blog, make videos, take photos, even Tweet! The UCF is partnering with R2integrated to create the ultimate social media mash-up from the Half Full experience: the Smash Page. Your stories make this event what it is; we encourage you to share them.

How to share your story and be a part of the fight:

Ø >Tweet it - #halffulltri

Ø >Photograph it – email to halffulltri@r2ismash.com

Ø >Blog it – tag halffulltri

Ø >Capture it on film – upload to YouTube and tag halffulltri

Make sure to use the tag halffulltri when uploading to FlickR, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or your blog! All of your content will be streamlined to the Smash Page.

Be a part of the hype! Check it out:

www.halffulltri.r2ismash.com

@halffulltri
@ulmancancerfnd

The Blog about CANCER to 5K Program Growth!

2010-07-06T16:10:00.001-04:00

Words fail to describe how proud I am to be a part of Team CANCER to 5K so for the Spring 2010 Season, I am going to let the pictures to the talking.

I will say this much: 15 Cancer Survivors, 6 states represented, 3 races (in FL & MD x 2), over 25 Pace Leaders and Sherpa Volunteers, 1 - Coach Bob, 3 - Assistant Coaches, myself, the Ulman Cancer Fund, a lot of CowBell and 5 more CANCER to 5K Finishers Medals went into the Spring 2010 season!

To-Date there are 32 Cancer Survivors in the United States who have earned the CANCER to 5K Finisher Medal by running/walking their FIRST 5K or 10K since having been diagnosed with cancer.

Way to LiveSTRONG! Enjoy the SLIDESHOW!

This Fall 2010, we are *thrilled* to be adding another local Team CANCER to 5K Training Program in Howard County, MD in addition to our Northern VA/DC Team and our "At Home" Training Program for out-of-area Survivors!

The Howard County Team starts training on Saturday, July 24, 2010 in Ellicot City, MD

The Northern VA/DC Team starts Fall Training on Saturday, August 7, 2010 in Arlington, VA.

Don't Miss Out! SIGN UP today!

Holly Shoemaker

VA/DC Cancer to 5K Program Manager/Assistant Coach

Stage III Nodular Melanoma Survivor

The blog where I introduce our newest intern...

2010-06-09T16:07:00.000-04:00

Hello! My name is Bridget Flynn, I am a UMBC student interning with the Ulman Cancer Fund for the summer, and in high school my friends had a running joke that I must be part plant.

The joke wasn’t founded on my physical characteristics (I am neither leafy nor green), but rather on my habit of basking in sunlight wherever I could find it. The sense of well being I received from sunbathing was so strong that we decided photosynthesis must be involved somehow, and that became my excuse for dawdling by sunny windows or demanding to go outside during every halfway-decent lunch period.

Getting a tan wasn’t the point for me, but of course I never wore sunscreen either. I figured I didn’t really need it unless I was at the beach. Skin cancer? That was something that happened to old people. Cancer, in general, was something that happened to old people, or sometimes little kids – not to someone my age. Definitely not to me.

You can probably guess where this is going: it did happen to me. In September of 2008, two weeks into my sophomore year of college, I was diagnosed with Stage III Ewing sarcoma, originating in my kidney. All my feelings of invulnerability evaporated in the moments of a single CAT scan, and when I went back to school after my treatment it drove me crazy to see people smoking and sunbathing as if their bodies could never break down.

Now, my positions as president of UMBC's Colleges Against Cancer chapter and as an intern here at the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults have given me an opportunity to educate my peers (and anyone who will listen) about steps they can take to prevent and detect cancer.

I’m sure anyone reading this blog already has a better-than-average understanding of the dangers of melanoma, the importance of sunscreen, and the vulnerability of anyone, young or old, to this disease. However, in the course of research I’ve been doing as part of my internship I’ve found some really interesting information, and I wanted to share it with you:

Melanoma and Sunscreen: An Overview

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, accounting for more than 75% of skin cancer deaths. Although it is completely curable if caught early, once it has spread beyond the skin it is extremely difficult to treat.

Melanoma is also the second most common form of cancer for young adults aged 15-29 years old, and Doug Ulman, the founder of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, is a two-time melanoma survivor. The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is deeply committed to educating people about skin cancer prevention and has a “Ban the Burn” curriculum for use in high schools.

The American Cancer Society estimates that the lifetime risk for getting melanoma is 1 in 50 for fair-skinned people.

Most people know that exposure to UV radiation is the biggest risk factor for developing melanoma, and will put on sunscreen when they head to the beach. However, UV exposure happens every day, and the effects can be significant. A recent study by the St. Louis University School of Medicine found that of the malignant melanomas treated in the university’s skin cancer unit, 76% were on the left side of the body, most likely from sun exposure while driving.

The St. Louis University study is a sobering reminder that sun protection needs to be a daily activity. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing long-sleeved clothing when practical, and applying a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher every day.

When choosing a sunscreen, here are some things to be aware of:

· Most sunscreens – even those labeled “broad-band” or “broad-spectrum” - do not adequately protect against UVA radiation, which doesn’t cause sunburns but contributes to the incidence of melanoma. To find a sunscreen that provides better UVA protection, check the ingredients label for titanium oxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone, or ecamsule.

· A sunscreen’s SPF, or sun protection factor, refers only to protection from UVB rays and not UVA. Also, an SPF of 30 does not offer twice the protection of an SPF of 15.

o SPF 15: filters 93% of UVB radiation.

o SPF 30: filters 97% of UVB radiation.

o SPF 50: filters 98% of UVB radiation.

· The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit public health group, identified several common sunscreen ingredients as hazardous in its 2010 Sunscreen Guide.

o Oxybenzone (also known as Benzophenone-3) is a potential hormone disruptor that can affect the nervous system and has been linked to cancer in some laboratory studies; it also releases DNA-damaging free radicals when exposed to sunlight. It should especially be avoided for children.

o Vitamin A (listed as retinol or retinyl palmitate) is added to 41% of sunscreens because of its antioxidant properties. However, a recent FDA study found that vitamin A actually breaks down in sunlight and produces more damaging radical oxygen particles. In that study, tumors and lesions developed up to 21% faster in mice coated with vitamin A cream.

· There is no sunscreen that offers 100% protection from UV radiation, and all sunscreens wear off; remember to apply liberally every two hours (or after swimming) and to seek shade during the peak sun hours of 10 AM to 2 PM.

Although I am more aware of the dangers of sunbathing now, I love it just as much as ever, and I have to confess that I’m probably going to be relying on sunscreen more than shade. However, I will definitely be spending more time reading the ingredients labels of those sunscreens until I find one that I feel comfortable with.

Bridget Flynn

UCF Summer Intern and Ewing Sarcoma Seurvivor

The blog where Katrina runs for Team Fight in ANOTHER COUNTRY...

2010-05-18T18:01:00.002-04:00

It was precisely 6:30am on Sunday April 11^th as the alarm began to wake us up for our marathon pre-race fueling breakfast… my favorite with a French twist: a French whole grain baguette with peanut butter and bananas. Delicious.

As we rolled out of bed it was time to get our race gear in order:

Team Fight Jersey: check

Body Glide (everywhere!): check

Race belt armed with our numbers, GU and plenty of Clif Shots: check

Socks, visor and sunglasses: check

Running shoes: check

Riding the metro to the starting line at the Arc de Triomphe, it was obvious from looking at the other passengers that this was race day in Paris. Upon arrival, we had the traditional “final” bathroom break (runners you know what I mean), picture in our Team Fight jerseys in front of the Arc, warm-up and stretch before the “official start time” of 8:45am.

With nearly 40,000 runners participating in the Paris Marathon, you can imagine the mob of people packing the street down the Champs-Elysée. This also explains why it took us nearly 15 minutes to cross the starting line. Just enough time for one last bathroom break. We finally stepped on the first time pad, our timing chips had started. Only 26.2 miles stood between us and the finish line.

***WAIT A MINUTE! HOLD UP! We are running the Paris Marathon?!?!? How the heck did we get here???***

Flash back to October 2009 during a weekly Skype conversation in the McGowan household. These had become a regular thing since my brother, John, had left the US of A to go teach English in Montpellier, a town in the South of France. Always having been runners and having completed a handful of races together, we had our sights set on a marathon. Never did we plan on doing the Paris Marathon; that is until John realized the race was at the beginning of his April break- the week I was planning on coming to visit!

It didn't take much convincing, next thing we knew we were both registering online for the race. Training plans were put together soon after. We began that December. The 18-week program included a healthy mix of long and longer runs, speed work, recovery runs, and “short” runs.

Both John and I had our ups, downs, ins and outs throughout training.  I had never run more than 16 miles so when 10 or 12 miles was a “light day,” it took a little getting used to. For John, the biggest surprise (and relief) was that injury did not spell certain doom for the fate of the race. As with many runners training for a long distance race, shin splints were often a problem. However, the time taken off from road training and put into rest and cross training ensured he was still in good form for race day.

Since the beginning of our training, we had set goals for our marathon performances. Something we soon learned (as first time marathoners) was that setting the right goals was just as important as setting them at all. Having your eye on a specific split or finish time is useful, but more important is enjoying and appreciating the experience. As Aerosmith said, “Life’s a journey, not a destination.” Those 26.2 miles won’t mean nearly as much if you can’t take it all in and appreciate the hard work you’ve put in to make it happen.

***FLASH FORWARD – April 11^th, race day at the start line.**

We finally crossed the start line on the Champs-Elysée. The sound of Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feelin’” started to fade and we were officially off! In keeping with our theme, our eyes were constantly wandering as we ran through the streets of Paris, enjoying everything the race had to offer.  There were so many, but I will share our top 5:

1.  We don’t remember running by Moulin Rouge, but…For pretty much the entire race, streets were lined with supporters and spectators. Our absolute favorite came around 10am at mile 7ish. It was a mother and her (very) young daughter. Both were dressed in sexy black and pink lingerie drinking (lots) of champagne; yes both. We think the mom was giving her best attempt at a kick-line, but the jury is still out.

2.   2. Running of the Bulls? In Paris? Toward mid-race, the course had runners following the edge of the Seine River that cuts through the heart of Paris. As such, there were several times we ran through underground tunnels. In every tunnel, someone would always start a call and response chant to keep morale up. We felt like we were Running with the Bulls, but inevitably, as if on cue, us and the rest of the runners in the tunnel would join in on the response.

3.   3. How Parisian?!  Every 5k, the race organizers provided water and fuel. An unofficial refreshment stop came later at mile 23 with a small table serving cups of red wine. To no surprise, there was a crowd of runners that had stopped to enjoy their glass/cup before restarting and heading to the finish line.

4.   4. Now that’s what you call love. As we pulled around the final curve, the finish line was in our sights! But what kept us distracted (and entertained) was an overzealous husband who was literally dragging his wife by the arm to the finish line. Apparently they were set on finishing together, no matter what!

5.   5. GO TEAM FIGHT! Last but not least was the support that we felt throughout the race. We have both done races at home (USA) in our Team Fight gear, and constantly heard the cheers that come from the crowd. But to hear people from all different nationalities with different accents yelling “Go Team Fight” is a pretty cool thing.

Looking back at the entire experience and finally crossing that finish line in Paris 3 hours 52 minutes and 33 seconds later, we are both happy to say that we have no regrets about how we attacked or finished it! There’s definitely lots of room to improve for our next one (and yes there will be a next one), but having this experience in the books won’t be something that we will soon forget!

Katrina McGowan,
Team Fight Program Coordinator
and
John McGowan
Team Fight Member

The blog where I play catch up...

2010-04-12T15:50:00.001-04:00

The National Marathon: my first race! It was a huge personal accomplishment. As I’ve mentioned before, I was not running for time. My goal was to finish. And, ok, it wouldn’t have hurt to make a 12 minute mile.

I decided to do the race after I had been working at the UCF for a little over 3 months. It was the start of 2010 and one of my resolutions. I embarked on the journey without enthusiasm. I felt a certain obligation to sign up for a race because I am working at an organization with a brilliant athletic fundraising and training team, and it is also a step in the right direction to taking better care of myself.

Running is not my forte. I dredged my feet through the “Couch to 5k” training program starting with 1 minute running intervals. Gradually, by mid-March I had increased my stamina and was running for 30 minutes straight. I didn’t enjoy the process; each thud of my foot held the thoughts: “ow”, “I want to stop”, “how many more minutes”, “it wouldn’t be so bad to cut my jog short today...”. Yet at the conclusion of each run the feeling of pride (and soreness of using new muscles) was enough to motivate me to hop back on the treadmill or track for the next workout.

On Saturday March 20th I arrived at RFK stadium with my relay team members, Lindsay and Carrie. I was nervous. A trembling, heart racing type of nervousness that left me unable to eat my breakfast and made me hesitant I would be able to run without tripping.

Sarah (me), Carrie and Lindsay at 6:30am. GOOD MORNING!

In 2002 Carrie ran the National Marathon in memory of my sister, Honor Elizabeth. As the three of us met the other Team Fight members who would be running Carrie prepped me on what I could expect from the course. At the start line there was music and a buzzing, growing energy that was palpable. People were clapping and dancing as the sun was rising. We watched Lindsay, our first leg, take off and I knew it was time to put aside my fears. I was here, I was going to finish and I was going to try to enjoy it.

Two days before the race I met Amber. With Amber in my mind and my sister in my heart, I got myself to the second relay exchange point. Then I just had to wait. The exchange point was at the top of a hill. I was able to look down (while trying to bounce out my nerves and stretch on the curb) to see the yellow Team Fight shirts as dots in the distance. The first group of Team Fighters passed and I cheered for them.

Brock and Katrina at mile 10 of their half marathon and my relay exchange point.

It was fantastic. Everyone there wants you to succeed! People were shouting sentiments of encouragement and clapping. The positivity I felt that day I have rarely seen at other sporting events. Finally, I spotted a yellow shirt and gray pants coming toward me and I knew I had to get in the zone. Carrie and I kissed on the check (no scrunchie\baton pass off for Team Slow and Steady) and I was off.

Because I tend to look down while I run (bad habit) compounded by my nerves, I didn’t have a clue where I was in the course. I missed every mile marker! There was a point where I started to get tired. REALLY tired. I didn’t want to walk, but the shin splints were there and they were real! This happened to be the time I was running parallel to the full marathoner's mile 13. All the sudden I see Team Fight members Katrina, then Danny, then Mike! It was so exciting to watch my friends and UCF supporters cheer me on I remembered the people I was running for. I remembered how unbelievably strong these people are and were. I pulled from their strength. I kept running.

Crossing the finish line that Saturday morning I felt a something melt. This layer of “I can’t” and “I’m scared” disappeared into, “I DID!”. I am very happy to have finished 3.1 miles in 31 minutes and 36 seconds!

Running the race wasn’t easy for me, but I found the time set aside with just my thoughts to be very rewarding.

Almost all of the Team Fight crew after their respective runs.

Since the race I sent out a request to our supporters for help with Amber. I am so grateful for the people who contacted me. Not only were the donations generous, the correspondences were also a true pleasure.

I was fortunate enough to be able to visit Amber at hospice (temporarily inpatient due to an infection) two weeks ago. We surprised her with a visit from Mimi’s favorite TV character, Dora the Explorer. If I thought I felt connected to Amber before this day, I was irreversibly changed watching her interact with her daughter. The dynamic between Richard, Mimi and Amber is absolutely delightful. Amber spoke Spanish to Mimi as her shock turned into joy when the giant television character materialized in her mother’s hospital room! The purpose of the visit was to bring Amber's family gifts, however I feel I was given a gift to be able to share some of what is left of Amber's time.

Richard, Mimi and Dora!

Dora, Amber, Mimi and Richard.

Mimi showered in love!

Sarah Wainio
Volunteer Coordinator

The blog where we remember a mother and her impact...

2010-04-05T16:07:00.001-04:00

Brock and the staff presenting Kayleen with the Marilyn Yetso scholarship check, 12/2009.

Growing up playing sports – from little league to college soccer – I always thought winning WAS everything. Yeah, yeah…some coaches and your parents might say winning isn’t everything and “how you play the game” is equally important --- I never really bought it. You see, I was a soccer player and goalkeeper at that, so at the end of a 90 minute game, if I gave up more goals than the opposing team, we lost! As I moved along in life, I applied this “winning” philosophy to much of what I did and saw pretty decent success – both on the soccer field, in the classroom and in the business world….little did I know and would learn later, winning is NOT always everything and “how you play the game” is sometimes more important. The way you play the game is what makes the people around you better and stronger and leads to longer lasting success.

So where am I going with this. In March of 2000, my family and I faced the hardest opponent any of us had ever seen. This opponent wasn’t an opposing striker, a difficult test or a high stakes meeting – this opponent was CANCER. Cancer humbled me and turned my life upside down. On the surface you’d probably say it won – but over the years I’ve learned it was far from winning and I’m still in the game FIGHTING right back!

On February 17, 2000 my mom was diagnosed with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer. She was 57 years old at the time, had been a nurse for 20+ years and experienced no symptoms. She was a loving wife and mother of 5 kids and living her life in a way people could only aspire to imitate. Her youngest son was about to be the last of five to graduate from high school and her oldest daughter was a few months from getting married. She had so much to live for and the world had so many reasons for her to live. The PTA President, Soccer mom, community leader, health care professional and more – she lived a life of service and compassion for others.

My mom’s cancer journey was a short one – from her diagnosis in the local ER she received immediate surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Unresponsive to any treatments, we to took her home from the hospital four weeks after her diagnosis on March 16, 2000 where she died peacefully in her home with her family by her side on March 17, 2000.

Today as I sit back and reflect on my mom’s life, her cancer fight and how it has impacted me and how I live my life, I go back to my initial thoughts I shared with you about winning, losing and life. It has been 10 years this month that I sadly commemorate my mom’s passing to cancer but I’m also proudly celebrating a decade of fighting the disease that took her life. In my eyes, cancer may have scored the first goal but we’re now in the second half and I’m fighting right back and winning!

Whether it is a soccer game or the fight against cancer, I’ve come to appreciate that over the years that winning is NOT always everything and my mom taught me that better than anyone. My mom played the game of life in the most admirable way possible. She played by the rules, lived life to its fullest, work hard and loved those around her. For the 57 years she was here she left no regrets. She raised a family and instilled values in those she touched that will live indefinitely. Her battle with cancer was no different – she tackled it head on with respect, grace, determination and never let it invade her soul. Cancer is a ruthless, uninvited, deceitful, rude, and cheating opponent but it is an opponent that can be beat over time. It doesn’t follow any rules and it will continue to invade all of our lives. It doesn’t care who you are, who you love or what you have to live for – it cheats and steals until it feels it has been victorious.

What Cancer doesn’t know is for every person it goes up against, there is a team full of family and friends supporting that person that are ready and able to FIGHT back. Although she is no longer physically with us, my mom is very much still in the fight. She left behind a legacy of family and friends that will fight on. She is most likely sitting back smiling now because cancer picked the wrong fight.

So what does this all mean for you and me? The next time you embark on your next journey, competition, challenge – just give this some thought. What does “winning” mean to you? Is it the place you cross the finish line, the score of the game, your rank amongst the group? Don’t get me wrong, how you perform has its place in this world and I’m the first person trying to win - BUT I can’t emphasize enough the importance of evaluating yourself and others on the how we “played the game”. We’re not going to win or be successful in everything we do. Persistence and perspective are so critically important. Win, lose or draw – we need to be able to be proud of the performance we gave and be able to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and move on to the next challenge.

The next time you “step up to the starting line” or walk into the board room, ask yourself: Did I give 100%? Was my effort part of a larger and longer lasting effort that will have greater change? Did my individual efforts help impact others? Am I proud of how I conducting myself?

Winning might be a great feeling for you temporarily – but is it ALSO changing the world around you? As the cliché saying goes – “Make your mom proud”. It’s all in how you FIGHT that really counts!

Brock Yetso and Kayleen Bailey

Brock Yetso

Executive Director

The blog where we remember a young poet...

2010-03-29T12:51:00.001-04:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of reading a young poet's work, shared with me by his mother.

Brendan passed away on February 24th at the age of 20 from brain cancer. His book of poetry has been accepted for publication. It is available for purchase here.

I tried to think of a way to describe Brendan's words. The simple efficiency of a quote... his word choice. But, I realized his words speak most boldly for themselves.

Please enjoy:

A Leaf of Knowledge

I don’t know
what the doctor means by “mostly”
within the radiation field
I don’t know
for how long I will need this cane
I don’t know
what the scan will look like one month,
four months,
four years from now.

All I know is the air that I breathe in this instant--
spring's sweet whisper—
into my lungs,
my friend at my side,
his broad hand between my shoulder-blades,
the living G-d,
the love of my friends and family,
and the warm skin of her knee,
onto which I lay my cheek, to sleep.

Sarah Wainio

Volunteer Coordinator

The blog in which I ask for a little help from my friends...

2010-03-23T17:08:00.003-04:00

It has been a while since I’ve blogged, but I plan on posting each Monday from now on. Look forward to it, put pressure on me! Call it a resolution.

A lot has happened over here at the UCF and some of it I will need to update you on in future posts. I DID complete my first race for Team Fight! It wasn’t pretty, but I’m proud. More on this later…

What has happened recently, which I think prevented me from being able to blog for a little while, was meeting Amber.

This was a sobering experience.

Amber is 22, concerned about her body image, her family and her relationship. A lot like me. We both graduated in 2005 from high school and enjoy a good horror movie. The difference between us, the difference that slapped me in the face when I stepped into her room, is that Amber has metastatic thyroid cancer. Amber’s cancer has taken over 75% of her body. She is a prisoner to it and she is a prisoner to her bed.

Amber is concerned about her body image because the drugs she is taking to control her pain and pro-long her life make her incredibly bloated. Amber is concerned about what will happen to her precious 2-year-old Mimi when she is no longer around. This is where we are different. This is also when my heart swells for Amber in a way that is indescribable until you meet a 22 year old who doesn’t have much longer on this Earth.

Amber came home from Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care not very long ago. She wanted to spend the remainder of her time with her daughter, something she couldn’t do in the facility.

Watching Amber and her boyfriend, Richard show me a slide show of the three of them on a silly, regular night, with Motown music as the soundtrack did two things. First, I was deeply impressed by the commitment that was so clear in this young couple. It is difficult being in a relationship as a young adult, but even more challenging with a child AND cancer. Second, I wanted to be Amber’s friend. I realized that although in a basic way, in a way that felt crushing and overwhelming we are inescapably different: Amber is sick and I am well. But in other ways I felt so connected to her. We both like silly TV drama series, horror movie and anything that isn’t being confined to a bed. Maybe it was our personalities? Maybe we are just uniquely bonded in a way that young women are?

I wondered what I could do to help Amber. I can’t make her better and I certainly can’t pro-long her life. I can’t really help Mimi to know her mom, who I don’t even know very well yet. But, what I can do it try to create a little more happiness for mother and daughter while they have time left together. It certainly isn’t much, but it is something. So, the UCF and I are asking for help. Small specific things we have found out from Amber and her mother, Dawn, that would be helpful to her. Things that will improve the quality of her life. If you are interested in donating something for Amber or Mimi, please call Sarah at 410-964-0202 ext 109 (during the 9-5 business day) or e-mail sarah@ulmanfund.org.

Richard and Amber the day we visited.

Sarah Wainio

Volunteer Coordinator

Kelly's Story

2010-02-23T13:11:00.001-05:00

At the age of 22 I was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor called Medulloblastoma. I’m proud to say that I’m a 5 ½ year survivor who has achieved every milestone doctors have set for me…and then some!

May 18^th, 2003. After being misdiagnosed three times with everything from a sinus infection to TMJ, I was sent to a pain management specialist for trigger point injections to the back of my head. I’d been having extreme pain and dizziness for about six weeks and the symptoms were intensifying with every passing day. A few hours after the trigger point injections, the dizziness became unbearable and I began vomiting. I phoned the on-call doctor who, after some persuading, sent me for an MRI. It was about 5:00 on a Friday night. After the scan, the tech told me I needed to see a doctor upstairs, but did not tell me why. The doctor was the only person left in the office on that Friday evening. He looked at my scan and said, “We’re going to have to take that tumor out!” WHAT?! I’d been questioning doctors for six weeks about a possible brain tumor and every time I asked I was told that couldn’t possibly be the problem. The Neurosurgeon said he didn’t believe the tumor to be malignant, but it was large and I would require surgery within the next couple of days. He sent me to Washington Hospital Center immediately to be admitted for brain surgery. I was given pain medicine late Friday evening and remember very little from the time I checked in to the time I went into surgery very early Sunday morning. I remember waiting outside of the operating room dizzy, dazed and scared when I recognized a familiar voice. She was the nurse anesthetist who happened to be a family friend that I hadn’t seen in almost ten years. After telling her who I was and having a short conversation, I knew everything was going to be fine.

May 21^st, 2003 I had a 7 ½ hour brain surgery where my neurosurgeon, Dr. Zachary Levine, miraculously removed the entire orange-sized tumor that had been growing in my Cerebellum. He was confident there was a less than 5% chance of it being malignant. I was in ICU for two weeks with a tube coming out of my head draining the spinal fluid that had built up on my brain. About ten days into my two week stay my life changed forever. Dr. Levine came into my room with the pathology results from my brain tumor. I had CANCER. Dr. Levine explained to me that this type of cancer is very rare in adults since it is mostly found in young boys ages 3-9. He felt I would receive the best treatment if I was followed by a world renowned Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Scared, confused and in tears, I decided that I was going to fight this with every fiber of my being.

My husband and I had only been married about 18 months and we had just bought a new house north of Baltimore. I was given a treatment plan of six weeks radiation to the brain and spine, which was to begin immediately and to be followed by chemotherapy. All of this was to take place in Washington, D.C. My husband, family and I had planned a trip to our favorite spot on the Outer Banks months prior to my diagnosis and were very lucky to be able to escape for a few days before my treatment began. After our few days away, my family very lovingly welcomed me back home and took wonderful care of me. I had radiation markings on my back that couldn’t be washed off, so my mom helped me bathe. Radiation caused my hair to fall out and my mom would wash my bald head for me because I just couldn’t bear to touch it. My dad and sisters drove me back and forth to my daily radiation treatments allowing my husband, Paul, to keep his new job.

Every week day for six weeks I received cranial/spinal radiation. I laid on my stomach with my head clamped into a torturous “mask” to receive my treatment. Treatment itself only lasted about a minute, but the entire process took about ten very long minutes. The spinal radiation made me extremely sick and I was nauseas and vomiting through the entire six weeks. I had no appetite and was barely able to eat. To top it all off, three weeks into radiation (on one of the rare trips I was able to go home to spend the weekend with my husband) I was diagnosed with appendicitis which required surgery to remove my appendix. Because I was unable to lie on my stomach, this pushed my radiation treatments back one week. This sent my doctor’s into a tailspin because you aren’t supposed to break-up radiation for anything.

August 23^rd, 2003 I completed my radiation treatment. Although I was to begin Chemo at this point, it was determined after an unsuccessful “cocktail” of chemo. during radiation that physically my body could not handle the chemo. Doctors had informed me at the beginning of treatment that there was no conclusive evidence that chemotherapy did anything to prevent this type of tumor from returning. My doctors and I determined this was not a good choice for me.

Today I am a happy, healthy 28 year old. I’m extremely proud to call myself a cancer survivor and fully expect to live a long, prosperous, exciting life. Radiation therapy has left me with some lifelong physical “scars”, but I’ve learned to work with them and my life continues in spite of them. I have permanent digestive problems from spinal radiation, but I’m on a daily medication regiment that helps a lot. I’m missing some of my hair on the back of my head. Even though it’s a cosmetic problem, I truly miss having all of my hair. A few years ago I was told a top John’s Hopkins fertility specialist in Baltimore, MD that my ovaries had been damaged by radiation and I had no viable eggs left; therefore, I would not be able to have children. I never believed this and continued, in faith, to believe I would eventually become pregnant. I always knew I was meant to be a mom. 2 ½ years ago I gave birth to a healthy baby boy and I am currently 6 months pregnant with baby #2. While my pregnancies have been healthy, they are not without challenges, specifically severe reflux. It’s a daily struggle to combat the pain and discomfort of severe reflux because of the damage done by radiation to the lining of my esophagus and stomach. The other side effect of the brain surgery is that my pregnancies have to be delivered by c-section. In my case I am a firm believer that the combination of optimism and faith prevailed over negative predictions I had been given by doctors.

I am proud to be 5 ½ year brain cancer survivor. My goal as a survivor is to share with other young adult cancer patients and survivors that there can be a positive outcome after treatment with lots of living to be had in the future. I was blessed with wonderful doctors and a tremendous support team of family and friends and look forward to a bright future with my growing family.

Kelly Ruszala
Volunteer and Cancer Survivor

The blog where David Sherwin reflects on his reason to run...

2010-02-15T11:44:00.002-05:00

Random thoughts were steaming through my head as I ran the last eight miles of the JFK50. I wondered what it was going to be like when I finally stopped running. I wondered what I would do when I saw my family. I wondered what I would say to my friend who is battling cancer when I told her that we ran a good race. My toughest miles that day were along the C & O Canal Towpath. Even as I struggled, I knew that my friend was competing in a tougher fight. It was through my friendship with her that I learned about The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and I found a reason to run.

I started running in 2003 when my doctor told me that the best thing I could do was lose those extra pounds I had gained over the last couple of years. I soon started walking and eventually tried to run. My friends supported my fitness efforts and told me that I should sign up for the Race for the Cure 5k. I knew that I would not run the whole race, but I wanted to support a great event. I walked and ran my first 5k and crossed the finish line having a new goal. I challenged myself to run a full 5k.

I put together a plan and started to train. The first time I ran two miles without stopping I could not believe it. I was tapping in to a new experience and it felt great. when race day came I was ready and ran the entire distance. I was hooked. Within a year I had run more 5ks and signed up for a 10k. Soon I signed up for the 2005 Baltimore half-marathon. The training was tough, but I finished the 13.1 miles. I ran a variety of distances over the next couple of years. In 2008 I was turning 40 and I was ready for a new challenge.

An ultra marathon is a race that is longer than a marathon (26.2 miles). They are typically run on trails somewhere in the woods. I used to laugh at the people who ran these races. However, that year I ran my first 50k ultra marathon. I ran that race to prove something to myself. I wanted to prove that I could do anything that I set my mind to. I finished the run and experienced an unbelievable feeling of accomplishment.

Early in 2009 I was toying around with the idea of running a 50-mile race. I was hesitant because of the distance and the amount of time required to train. It seemed selfish to spend that much time doing something just for myself. However, over the course of one weekend it all came together.

I met my friend at work. I really enjoyed spending time with her because she was not like everybody else. I admired her drive and her nonconformity. She always motivated me to be myself and not sell-out to any corporate idea of what success meant. I always left our time together feeling powerful. One day she told me about her fight with cancer. I could not believe how strong she was even as she fought something so difficult. She was in the ifht and it was through her I learned about The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. She eventually left work and I did not see her as much. We still met up from time to time and she motivated me to do more than what someone else laid out in front of me.

One Saturday last spring, I went to her birthday party. The house was filled with friends and family members who were all there to support her. She had been in the fight for some time now, but she still had that way of making me want to do more. The party was one of those powerful events that left you feeling like there was so much more to life than what you thought about every day. The next day I went for a run in the woods. On the run I thought about her. Somewhere during those 10 miles, it all came together in perfect vision. On that day, I decided to run the JFK 50 mile in order to honor my friend and raise money for The Ulman Cancer fund.

I checked with my friend to get her blessing and shortly after I set up a fund raising web page through Ulman. I began telling my friends, family, and coworkers about my 2009 mission.Throughout the spring and summer I began collecting dollars and racking up training miles. I kept my friend up to datee with my progress and I thought about her fight and time I got tired of running. My favorite training run was the day I ran 30 miles from my home up to the battlefield in Gettysburg.

The 2009 JFK 50 was held November 21. By race day I had raised almost $1,500 for Ulman and had run over 1,100 miles training for the race. I was nervous that morning, but knew that even if I had to crawl I would finish the race. The course started in Boonsboro, covered the Appalachian Trail, crusied along the C & ) Canal towpath, and ended 50 miles later in Williamsport, MD. The race started at 7am. I began running.

My friend inspired me throughout the run. When I crossed the 50k mark I had run further than I ever had before. This was my toughest patch. My mind was telling me that I had never been so exhausted and that I should stop. At this low moment, I thought of my friend and all of the times she must have felt like this. My run was so insignificant compared to her fight. She had her doubts and fears, but she never quit. The last 19 miles would be run through uncharted physical and mental territory, but they needed to be run. Thoughts of cancer fighters and Team Fight gave me the strength to finish the 50 miles in 10 hours and 41 minutes. I called my friend after I hobbled back to my car. With a medal around my neck, I told her that we finished our run.

It is now 2010 and my first 50 miler is in the books. My friend continues her fight and I am thinking ahead to my challenge for the year. I learned a great deal while I ran last year. I learned that you are always capable of more than you think. I also learned that the distance and event are not the most important parts of the experience. The most important part is the reason you run. This is why I will continue to run and support The Ylman Cancer Fund.

David Sherwin
The Ulman Cancer Fund Supporter

The blog where Bec Wassner talks about sisterhood, cancer, and the UCF.

2010-02-02T11:57:00.001-05:00

It was a huge honor to be recognized by the Ulman Fund at last Saturday's Blue Jean Ball. My sister, Laurel, and I received the Fight award which "celebrates young adults whose lives have been touched by cancer and regardless of prognosis or outcome, have confronted the disease with purpose, grace and fight." We've been representatives of the Ulman Fund since I picked up a water bottle with the UCF logo on it at the Columbia Iron Girl Triathlon in 2007. Everyday, I used that water bottle at swim practice and would stare at the logo and think, I wish I had known about this organization 5 years ago. After a few weeks, Laurel and I talked about the water bottle and decided to call Brock to find out more about UCF and to see how we could be involved. From that initial phone call, everyone at UCF has been so supportive of everything Laurel and I have done and have helped us tell our story to thousands of people, with the hope that it would inspire people in the fight against cancer.

I've been a pro triathlete for 5 years and when I first started out, I'd meet people, they'd find out I had a sister and they'd say, "Oh, you have a sister, does she race too?" I'd respond, "uh, no...she doesn't race" and leave it at that. As time went on, I'd meet more people and they'd ask me about my sister and why she wasn't a triathlete too. I'd respond, "well...she was sick for awhile," and change the subject. Last year, when Laurel started racing, people would say, "I see that you have a twin sister and she races too." My response: "yes, I do have a twin sister, she a pro triathlete AND she beat CANCER."

It wasn't until I started working with the Ulman Fund that I had the courage not to be ashamed of what Laurel and I went through. The story of our cancer experience stayed within our Greenwich Village apartment. It was too hard to talk about it and it felt like nobody understood what we went through. But, now, with the support of UCF and the 70,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer each year, when I get to the starting line of a race, I know that I am stronger and more powerful because of my experience with cancer. And, I know that through my actions, other people will be inspired to be strong and powerful and to fight.

Thank you to the Ulman Family, Brock, Brian, Kelly and everyone at UCF for giving me the opportunity to be involved in the FIGHT to improve the lives of young adults affected by cancer.

Bec Wassner
Pro Triathlete, Team Fight Member, UCF advocate

The blog where I reflect on my first week of training

2010-01-25T13:31:00.000-05:00

I'm alive. And, I feel pretty good. Contrary to all thoughts I had while my feet trudged on the treadmill, I am here to tell my story and I am better off because of it!

Thanks to the suggestion of a reader of the blog, I discovered the Couch to 5K training program! It is a very good thing too. I hear that my original plan (to run for an hour and see how I fared) is a serious training faux-pas.

First Workout: I grabbed my five year old Nike Shox with my name embroidered on them and realized two things.
1. I need new running shoes
2. I used to have really bad taste

Jumped in the car with the incentive of sushi dinner awaiting the completion of my workout and headed to the track at CHS, my alma mater. I arrived and the lights were off! I guess they don't keep the track lit when it isn't football season? No big deal, I was relegated to my treadmill in my unfinished cold basement. Sort of like running outside, right? I didn't have a plan for the rotations of walking\running as dictated by my Couch to 5k plan, so I used my digital Baby G (way more than 5 years old) and got to work. I was amazed at how fast the time passed with my short precise goals. Before I knew it I was doing my 5 minute cool-down walk.

Second Workout: Thursday was actually a really nice day and I probably should have taken the opportunity to run outside, but since I don't have any reflective gear and it is dark by the time I'm out of work I decided to stick to the treadmill until I can find a better option.

(Actually, does anyone have suggestions of where to run for free in Catonsville? I'm hoping for a track because I like being able to measure my distance).

A fellow AmeriCorps member suggested that there are podcasts that correspond with the Couch to 5k training program and I downloaded these. When I queuemy iPod to the Chubby Jones podcast in my basement they hadn't synced! So I listened to my favorite album to exercise to: Owl City, Ocean Eyes. There is something about that electronic beat! Gets my heart pumping...

For some reason my minute jogs seemed longer than they had on Tuesday. I pushed through, doing about 1:03 each jog, just as a challenge to myself. I was glad to be done.

Finaly workout of week 1: As a personal addition to the Couch to 5k plan on my "days off" I have been taking yoga classes at Charm City Yoga. So, I train Tuesday, Thurday, Saturday. And take a hot Vinyasa class Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

This past Friday Chris Blades, owner of Charm City held a really special event. He hosted a 2 hour class to benefit Haiti.

Join Charm City Yoga for a special Midnight Yoga Seva to help raise funds for victims in Haiti. Ask friends, colleagues and relatives who can’t join us to give generously by sponsoring your involvement with a donation of their own. Sarah Cook and Erin Bowers will be leading this 2 hour class. Open for all-levels of experience.

Date: Friday, January 22
Time: 10 pm- midnight
Studio: Midtown Yoga Center

This class is donation only. 100% of proceeds will go directly to the relief efforts being conducted by the International Medical Corps . This Charity is one of the highest rated organizations (grade of A+ given by the American Institute of Philanthropy) working in Haiti. The IMC were very quickly on the ground to provide medical help and training to the injured.

It was a really special class that raised $1569 and had over 70 participants! We were mat to mat and connected with our fellow yoginis in a whole new way because of the proximity of our bodies. The community in the room was so strong, it was very special.

Needless to say, I was a bit sore on Saturday morning, but was excited to finish my final workout for week 1. I had been itching to increase my jogging time, but also very cautious not to hurt myself. My left knee was feeling a bit sore on Thursday and I wanted to be mindful of that.

Saturday's workout was completed without a hitch. During my first workout I didn't feel tired after my minute jogs, but could sense that a minute had passed. On Saturday I finally had my Chubby Jones podcast going and found myself ready to jog straight through her recommendation to switch to a brisk walk.

Tonight I start week 2 of training:
Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.
I'm both excited to see my progress and nervous to take on the 30 second additional challenge. A part of me wonders if I shouldn't be accelerating my distance faster, but I want to trust Ms. Jones and also recognize that I am NOT an endurance athlete and need to build up my tolerance.

I'll report back next Monday about how this week went! I'm open to suggestions and motivational quotes ;)

Sarah Wainio
Volunteer Coordinator

The blog in which I commit to do something I'm scared of

2010-01-19T10:22:00.000-05:00

OK. Breathe in. Breath out. Each time I even consider this my heart races. But, if I say it publicly, it is official and I can't try to weasel my way out of it.

I'm running the National 1/2 marathon relay. This really really scares me. You might not think that a relay is so bad. Sure, it is no Iron Girl, no triathlon, and no marathon. However, coming from a girl, who hasn't run more than one mile consecutively since her 9th grade fitness test, any leg of this relay will be a challenge to me.

UCF had our Team Fight kick-off event this past Wednesday with over 100 people supporting the cancer community in attendance. Still being relatively new on staff I haven't yet run at an event for the fund. However, I knew attending the kick-off might motivate me. It surely did.

While sitting in our reserved section at Looney's I started to feel this overwhelming swell of energy. Brock introduced the evening with a simple statement, "this is why we fight". He went on to explain after a slide-show of some of Team Fight's most inspiring and challenging moments, that each step we take, the physical pain we endure is all in the name of raising awareness for the young adult cancer battle. Although it doesn't take much, my tears were already flowing. The sincerity and sense of team in the room was really powerful.

I was sitting next to Alyssa, a young adult survivor who will soon be volunteering for us at the University of Maryland Medical Center as a Peer Mentor. I mentioned that I might like to run, but it would be a real challenge for me. She said, "I've been through cancer, there isn't much else I can't do."

Well that really stopped me. Who am I to whine about running a few miles, sweating a little, and possibly cramping and aching? Alyssa was 20 years old when she was first diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. And there my decision was made. I was going to be a member of Team Fight. I knew since the National Marathon is in March, I would need to start training ASAP. I explained my apprehension to Alyssa, "how can I make myself just do it?" Again, my new friend said something that made me step back and think, "you just get to a point where you say, 'I'm done saying I will'".

I'm done saying I will. I hopped on the treadmill yesterday for 30 minutes and it was a start. I plan on running around the track at my old high school today. You heard it here and you should hold me to it. I've said it out loud and now I can't !

Alyssa is really an inspiration to me. And although I know in this case she was talking about running around a track, her words can apply to so much more than that. I am both very nervous and very excited to run my first relay for Team Fight. I think it could be something I'll do once, to say I've done it. Or, it could be the start of a beautiful love affair with running.

Either way, Alyssa will be running one of the legs of the relay with me as she prepares to run the marathon in the Baltimore Running Festival in 2010. More powerful than accomplishing my goal of surviving the relay is Alyssa's survival. As of December 2009 Alyssa has had clean scans for two and a half years.

If you are interested in joining Team Fight, please visit our website www.teamfight.org or contact Katrina at 410-964-0202 (ext 104).

Sarah Wainio
Volunteer Coordinator

The blog in which I ask you for your opinion...

2010-01-11T17:59:00.004-05:00

The staff had an invigorating, exciting, and sometimes painful retreat this past Thursday and Friday. We were hosted by Jeremy Parks at The Westin Annapolis, a lovely hotel that makes a darn good dirty vodka martini. If you ever go, make sure Amanda is your barmaid!

After a hard day of working, brainstorming and learning a lot about our co-workers the staff headed out to enjoy a well earned dinner. We made our way just a few blocks away from the hotel, in downtown Annapolis to O'brien's Oyster Bar where I tried my first raw oyster.

I'm a fan of muscles and I'm a huge fan of pearls, so why wouldn't I enjoy an oyster?! I put all my fears aside when I saw my oyster shooter came with an abundance of red, horse-radishy cocktail sauce... however, I didn't heed the advice of my co-workers and as the little raw shellfish started to slide down my throat I took one simple bite. Raw oysters are not for chewing...

However, my second oyster was thrown back without a single chew. I enjoyed that one much better!

Once we had finished a delicious dinner and re-caps of the days work, including funny stories and further questions about what motivates each one of us to do what we do at the UCF, Lindsay and I discovered something on our Blackberry's. It seems only women were posting a color as their status and we didn't know why. Then, I got a FB message:

Type in the color of your bra in your status.. just the color and nothing else! Forward this mail to women only... NO MEN!!!It will be fun to see how fast it spreads... and all the men will be clueless as to why all the women has a color in their status. Haha!!! Hopefully it will promote breast cancer awareness. Have fun :)

Now, Lindsay and I thought, "hey, why not" without thinking much more about it. And away we went:

However, upon coming into the office today, our Twitter feed had a whole array of complaints about this experiment. Some of our Tweeps were angry and implied that this experiment or "Facebook wardrobe malfunction" didn't really create awareness at all. I have since cleared my status. As a woman who hasn't had breast cancer, but respects and appreciates the beauty, femininity and sanctity of breasts very much, I wonder if this viral experiment is contagious in a beneficial way, or if it is just sick.

Maybe all this buzz IS creating awareness in an indirect way. Or, maybe if it isn't direct, it isn't worth it to some? I'm still trying to figure out my opinion, but I welcome yours!

Sarah Wainio

Volunteer Coordinator

Twas the season for giving...

2009-12-23T16:14:00.001-05:00

Because it is the season to give, and to give is better than to receive UCF collected

OVER 100 GIFTS

for the children of our young adult clients at UMMC. We owe endless Thank-yous to our supporters who contributed gifts. Here is our UCF holiday story...

We wish you all an incredibly happy, healthy and peaceful New Year!

Twas the holiday season and all the Ulman Cancer Fund elves

Were busy buying presents, not thinking about themselves

The presents were wrapped in the office with care,

With hope that bright smiles the children soon would wear.

Each family was resting at home in their beds,

While visions of blessed holidays danced in their heads.

The children were dreaming of gifts, games, and toys

And the parents were wishing for children full of joy.

So Ulman Cancer Fund called out to our supporters

For presents, and wrappers and one or two sorters.

And after one day presents overflowed the place

Waiting to be received by a child’s warm embrace.

There were bicycles, stuffed animals, leapfrogs and books.

There was an easy bake oven for the tiniest of cooks.

A light bright, Legos and an abundance of movies

We all thought the gifts were pretty darn groovy.

Next step was delivery to the hospital and home

From Baltimore to PG County to Bowie we roamed,

Delivering presents wrapped with cheer

To wonderful strong, brave people who shed a few tears.

The true gift was in the giving for all of the staff

We were reminded what the holidays are all about.

We resolve to make next year even better

For giving, taking action, and our holiday sweaters!

So our team will be working even harder next year

We thank you for all YOUR help in getting us here.

The staff at UCF wishes with all of our might,

“Happy holidays to all, and to all a good night!”

In the spirit of giving...

2009-12-11T11:48:00.001-05:00

Last night, I was reminded of the true meaning of the holidays. The holiday season is one of my very favorites. Kicking off with my birthday in November, the changing of the leaves to red then brown then gold always stirs this sentimental, bittersweet feeling in me. The end of the year inspires reflection, giving, and gratitude: some of the best qualities of people.

When Brock visited UMGCC last week and asked one of our patients what we could do to help her she said she needed,

"A Christmas present for my 5 yr old."

I know this touched Brock deeply and when he retold the story, we all stepped back to think about just how blessed we are.

UCF put out a call to action by word of mouth to see if anyone would be willing to help buy presents for some of our families at the hospital who needed help this holiday.

Last night, one of our supporters took her 3 boys to shop for a family in need. The boys are 6, 4, & 1 and she had them each buy a gift for a boy their age. She reported it was a, "blessed experience to take them shopping and teach them true meaning of Christmas."

Whether you are celebrating Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, or no holiday at all- please consider donating to a family who could use your help to brighten their holiday.

Visit our website for more details.

Sarah Wainio
Volunteer Coordinator

UCF's Cancer Fightin' Mix

2009-12-09T10:56:00.004-05:00

Here are a list of cancer fighting songs composed by our @ulmancancerfnd Twitter followers...

@jonfilbert and @miket355
>Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow, Wideawake

Blip: TripsOnFeet
>HARDER BETTER FASTER STRONGER, Daft Punk

@jennieburke
>Beautiful World, Colin Hay

@ASmithConsult
>The Remedy, Jason Mraz

@ASmithConsult
>I Run for Life, Melissa Etheridge

@tysonbreuer
>Green Light, Punchline

@tysonbreuer
>Come Clean, Hilary Duff

@tysonbreuer
>Phantom Limb, The Shins

@bklynmoxie
>Casimir Pulaski Day

@kattemie
>Momma Said Knock You Out, LL Cool

@jillbankey
>I Didn't Know My Own Strength, Whitney Houston

Jennifer Owen via Facebook
>It's Not My Time, 3 Doors Down

Sarah Combs via Facebook
>Monument, Mirah

This is a great start! Please comment with your own cancer fighting song, or e-mail sarah@ulmanfund.org

Cancer Experience Expressions

2009-12-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

Last week I sent out a Twitter and Facebook blast asking our followers and supporters how they expressed their cancer experience. Being a creative person myself,I wondered how the artsy and not so artsy deal with their cancer stories.

I've seen tattoos, books, poetry, songs, blogs, and more. I wanted to hear how YOU express yourself.

I got some feedback, and I'd love for this to be an ongoing opportunity for anyone to contribute their personal expression. Maybe some of the shared work will even inspire someone to create a way to share their store?

Nate e-mailed me that he had a cancer related blog:

There are a variety of topics I talk about, but I address my cancer diagnosis and treatment. I was unable to write about it for a very long time (I had to relearn MANY physical things as I spent almost a month in a coma and lost a great deal of strength and coordination), but I have a summary post covering that time and I occasionally make updates related to my recovery.

Jeff shared a truly touching poem about his friend Carlos who was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Mutiforme at the age of 39 and passed away at the age of 41. Carlos was a marathon runner who participated in marathons all over the world including Moscow, Helsinki, Cuba and most of the major ones here in the states. From the point of his diagnosis all the way to the end he fought his cancer and was determined to race again. Carlos was a Gradate of Penn. St and Notre Dame with a degree in Business Law.

An Ode to a Friend
By: Jeff Houston 12/2/2001

My friend died today
And yet I hide behind my mask pretending that I’m strong
Smiling as if nothing’s wrong
When all the while I’m crying inside.

I never got the chance to say goodbye
To express all that I kept inside
Always keeping up the façade
Of being strong on the outside

I look to the sky and I ask God ‘why?’
Wondering how he could let us hurt so much inside
How he could let someone so young die
When there was so much more life to live.

I miss my friend and the life he lived
I will do all I can to keep his memory alive
And live the life he had wished for me
As I hold the memory of him close to my heart.

Goodbye my friend, you are missed.

Finally, a Twitter follower @cathycookhome recommended @justaride's book Rodeo in Joliet.

If you would like to share your cancer experience, please e-mail sarah@ulmanfund.org

Sarah Wainio, Volunteer Coordinator

LUNGS- (Learning, Understanding, Navigating, Growing, and Survivorship)

2009-12-07T12:25:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of spending a day with Jonny Imerman of Imerman Angels . Jonny, who is a partner with UCF, is a complete inspiration for anyone fighting cancer or not. Jonny embraces and loves life and is a true motivator to do what you feel passionately about.

The day I got to spend with Jonny, we made a visit to The Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Medical Center to see Pamela Trombero a lung cancer survivor. Pamela had read Jonny's story and connected with his experience. The day of the visit they even realized they had the same chemo! The take away message of both Pam and Jonny's experience, as someone witnessing them connect, is that no one should ever be alone in a diagnosis. Both Jonny and Pamela felt alone. Now, like UCF, both Pamela and Jonny have devoted their lives to preventing anyone else from feeling the isolated during diagnosis, treatment, or as a survivor.

Here is, as Pam calls it, the short version of her story:

I was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer in March of 2006; three weeks before my 50th birthday. It is very unusual to be diagnosed with lung cancer at 49; most of the population is in their 60’s and 70’s when diagnosed. I wanted so badly to be able to talk with someone in my shoes who had been through chemotherapy and surgery to know what I was up against, but I found no one. Lung cancer survivors are hard to find.

Once I came back to work, I talked to Dr. Krasna about starting a support program for newly diagnosed or recurring lung and esophageal cancer patients. I think it took me 5 seconds to think up LUNGS (Learning, Understanding, Navigating, Growing, and Survivorship). The program is similar to Johnny’s program in that we match mentors with patients who have had a similar diagnosis. We also offer educational lectures throughout the year which have been well attended and are a great success.

I may have had to go through my treatments and surgery alone, but if I have anything to do with it, no patient will feel alone during his or her diagnosis and/or treatment. The program is a success and we are slowly but surely growing.

If you would like more information on the LUNGS support program you can can go to and click on the LUNGS program under calendar of events. You can also contact Pam directly at 410-337-4543.

It was a true honor to spend the day in the presence of two people so passionate and so full of life! I encourage you to at least further educate yourself about Jonny and Pamela's initiatives, spread the word, and continue to grow the cancer community!

Sarah Wainio, Volunteer Coordinator

ELF YOURSELF!

2009-12-01T15:50:00.001-05:00

With Brock, Kelly and Brian out of the office today Lindsay and I lit a "cinnamon coffee cake" candle, played Michael Buble on iTunes and prepared some holiday fun to welcome them back to the office...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

And once Katrina returned from her meeting, the three of us did a little do-si-do in the barn behind the office...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

We're thankful for...

2009-11-25T13:57:00.000-05:00

Mostly, we are grateful for YOU: our supporters!

THANK YOU and a very happy holiday to you!

Debbie Troy talks blue jeans, UCF and True Religion!

2009-11-18T13:20:00.001-05:00

Event Coordinator, Debbie Troy, talks about the Blue Jean Ball and its meaning to UCF.
For tickets to the event, or more information please visit the Blue Jean Ball site!

Ulman Cancer Fund Art Show and Sale: HUGE SUCCESS

2009-11-11T11:48:00.002-05:00

On October 18, 2009 Diana and Lou Ulman hosted an Art Show and Sale benefiting The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. With four contributing artists: co-founder Diana Ulman, board member Cheryl Duvall, long time supporter Jack Boonshaft and new UCF supporter Rae Cumbie, the event raised over $4,000 for the fund! A wide range of media and price points was represented for enjoyment and sale. UCF is working hard to create new types of fundraisers that will appeal to many different audiences. The Art show most certainly accomplished this goal and was attended by over 100 guests!

Ulman Cancer Fund Landscaping: Lawns and Leaves

2009-10-26T14:58:00.001-04:00

(Sarah, Kelly, Katrina, Lindsay and Brock showing off John's fancy yard tools!)

Saturday, October 24th 2009 was National Make a Difference Day and the UCF office wanted to get involved. We decided to do our part in making a difference on Friday the 23rd. One of our clients needed some help in his yard and we knew just who to call.

Rock star volunteer, John Beck, donated his time on the 23rd, his equipment, and lots of resources.

UCF is thinking of taking up part-time landscaping to bring in some extra money to the fund. We are now nearly professional leaf rakers and baggers...

Mulchers...

Weeders...

Tillers...

With a special expertise in wheelbarrow pushing...

For more pictures of the UCF Make a Difference Day, please visit our Facebook page!

Or to utilize our services please call 410-964-LAND!
(Ok, not really...)

Raven's Bye-Week Tailgate Party

2009-10-19T10:12:00.001-04:00

Just because the men in purple are out of town, doesn't mean you can't watch the game with friends, good food and free Miller Lite and house wine!

The Ulman Cancer Fund and Ale Mary's presents... Ravens Bye-week Tailgate Event

Please come raise awareness and support The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults at Ale Mary's in Fells Point.

Check out the Animoto 30 second short for the event too!

So You Think You Can Dance honors the fight of breast cancer.

2009-10-16T12:50:00.001-04:00

Last night at the 1st Mariner Arena, I saw the So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) Tour perform. Your first reaction may be, "dork!" And for those of you who don't know me well yet, you're probably right about that.

However, the show was PHENOMENAL. After a day of travel to DC for George Washington's Survivorship Symposium I was all "learned out" and ready to sit and watch some fantastic dancing. I got that and more. These dancers are authentic athletes and beautiful performers.

A huge fan of the arts, with a personal history of 18 years of dance classes and performing, I had been anticipating this year's SYTYCD stop in Baltimore greatly.

Insert incredibly embarassing dance recital photo...

Could you find me?

And here are the REAL dancers...

The SYTYCD dancers performed favorite dances from the season along with comic dialogues. Most notable and relevant for this month (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), two dancers performed a piece choreographed by Tyce Diorio. The piece was a tribute to one of his dear friends fighting breast cancer. Melissa and Ade dance to "This Woman's Work". The dance was prefaced with a clip of Tyce explaining his connection to the fight. He talked about wanting to give his friend hope, and something to fight for.

He certainly succeeded. Please take 2 minutes of your time to watch this gorgeous and incredibly moving tribute:

(This is video from the season 5 TV show and not my own personal video. I was so excited when the dancers came on stage my digital camera video is too shaky to make you suffer through!)

Sarah Wainio
Volunteer Maryland Coordinator

Pre marathon margaritas and other stories from Baltimore Running Fest...

2009-10-14T13:44:00.002-04:00

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults had approximately 50 runners in the Baltimore Running Festival this past Saturday, actively fighting our battle against cancer. We are so proud to have had TEAM FIGHTERS compete in ALL events: 5K, half marathon, relay, full marathon. Also, we had the children of TEAM FIGHTERS in the kid’s fun run!

Shelby Orndoff, UCF’s Scholarship Program Manager participated by completing her first marathon. Here is an excerpt of her experience…

“Basically this was my first marathon. I figured I had done a 5K and Survivor Harbor 7, so I lost the floaties and decided to dive head first into the shallow water. Running a marathon was a "bucket list" item for me and it helped that I was running for a good cause! I've met people both through UCF and my work as a nurse who would love to be out there running and can't. I was running for them. Each step and each mile was for anyone who ever fought cancer, has cancer, or has lost someone to cancer. I wasn't running to the finish line looking for a cure. Running those 26.2 miles and crossing the finish line was my way of never losing hope. From someone who couldn't run 5 miles a year ago, to running 26.2 miles – I’m sure that anyone can beat any obstacle.

The night before the race I attended the Team Fight pasta dinner at Frank and Nic’s. I had a margarita (as Kelly teased me about yesterday in the UCF office) to take the edge off... I should have had 5 more! I didn't sleep much the night before the festival and despite knowing better my nerves got the best of me. I got sick 5 minutes before the starting whistle! Aches and pains kicked in fast - I never lost or became short of breath, but from waist down my body was numb. Mile 17 I had my moment of breakdown. But, I kept chugging and when I saw Camden Yards I couldn’t have been happier. Post race I ate like a teenage boy and could barely move! But it was worth it. Now that it is a few days later, I can't wait to run it again next year! Kick cancer's butt all around Baltimore!”

Heather Gannoe, sister of Cancer to 5k program founder, also completed the marathon!

Click here for Heather’s Baltimore Running Festival story

The Cancer to 5k program, is an idea that developed out of the personal experiences of Holly Gannoe-Shoemaker while she underwent treatment for cancer. Holly is a 3-year Nodular Melanoma Survivor. The encouragement to move forward with this idea came through Holly's participation in the Inaugural LiveSTRONG™ Summit held on October 28-29, 2006 in Austin, TX by the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Many cancer Survivors finish treatment, are given the "all clear" from their treatment team and then find themselves asking, "what next?" The feelings of uncertainty and anxiety and stress that often follow the end of treatment along with the physical changes that can result from some forms of treatment (weight gain/loss, fatigue) are not uncommon. Exercise is a known way to reduce stress and feel less tense. Regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can speed your recovery.

For more information on Cancer to 5k

UCF is so proud of its Baltimore Running Festival participants and thanks them for sharing their stories. KEEP FIGHTING!

SCREW CANCER...AGAIN!

2009-10-09T14:36:00.005-04:00

Thank you so much to our friends, family, long-time supporters and especially new faces who came out to our 2nd annual SCREW CANCER event at Looney's and helped us to toast to life! With help from our sponsors, Underdog Wine Merchants and Dogfish Head Brews, along with the entertainment of Garrett Anderson and Rew Smith we were able to celebrate the mission of The Ulman Cancer fund for Young Adults.

This year we changed the feel of the event and created a more casual, laid back evening that catered towards the young adults we support! With the generosity of Looney's Pub we were able to attract new people to our cause. If SCREW CANCER was your introduction to The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults we hope to maintain your support.

The evening would not have had such an impact without our special guests. Amanda Pope, a recent Thyroid Cancer Survivor and a Young Adult Alliance Panel Member eloquently told her story about the "best" kind of cancer.

(Amanda Pope-Young Adult Survivor)

A returning guest and young adult cancer survivor, Jonny Imerman, made a special trip to Maryland for our event. His organization Imerman Angels provides one-on-one support connecting cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers. Jonny spoke about the importance of partnering in the cancer community.

(Jonny Imerman-Founder of Imerman Angels)

That evening we were also able to honor and present a check to our Martek Biosciences Corporation Scholarship Award Winner, Hayley Grist, a Pharmacology graduate student at the University of Maryland.

(Shelby Orndoff-Scholarship Program Manager, Hayley Grist-Scholarship winner,

Brock Yetso-Executive Director, Ken Ulman-Howard County Executive)

Thank you again for all those who made SCREW CANCER a fun and successful night, your continued support is invaluable to The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults!

(SCREW CANCER attendees listening to our guest speakers!)

More pictures from the event

Miss Piggy, Kermit and James Denton...

2009-10-09T11:23:00.001-04:00

You might wonder what Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog and James Denton have in common. No, it isn't Lady Gaga!!

All three celebrities (Kermit, Miss Piggy and James Denton) appear as advocates for Disney's Give a Day Get a Day program.

Beginning January 1, 2010 if you give a day of service with a participating organization you get a free day at Disney World or Disneyland! There are few places in the world more magical... Disney's goal is to inspire 1 million people to give a day of service! How great is that?

If you would like more information about Give a Day Get a Day, check out Disney's site:

Give a Day Get a Day

Or, if you don't want to wait until January contact Sarah ( sarah@ulmanfund.org ) for volunteer opportunities at The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

iParticipate

2009-10-08T20:50:00.002-04:00

"When you pitch in for someone else you will benefit more than you think. Contribute to your community in any way and you will literally make yourself healthier. Do good for others and feel better about yourself, you'll be improving lives while enhancing your own health every day."

iParticipate is a website that collects volunteer opportunities based on location. It is a movement supported by many celebrities and public figures including Ashton Kutcher, Michelle Obama, Matthew McConaughey, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jill Biden. Go ahead, check it out!

http://www.iparticipate.org/

What do you think about their stance on volunteering? Can it make you a healthier person?

Welcoming the newest staff member .... Sarah!

2009-10-08T14:09:00.009-04:00

Hello! I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Sarah Wainio, and I am The Ulman Cancer Fund’s newest staff member. I came to UCF by way of AmeriCorps’ program Volunteer Maryland. I am so excited and honored to be able to help with UCF’s mission to empower young adults, families and the community to take control of their cancer experience.

Here you can find more information on AmeriCorps and Volunteer Maryland:

http://www.volunteermaryland.org/

Below you will see a picture of my fellow Volunteer Maryland Coordinators (for other organizations) and Volunteer Maryland staff:

A little background on me… I’m a recent graduate from Fordham University in New York. I graduated from Fordham with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a second degree in Philosophy. I have a long history of volunteerism, including volunteering in Thailand and Israel. I also worked in volunteer management at the public radio station WFUV 90.7. Now that I’ve finished school I feel a very strong connection to spending time volunteering in my own community.

During my 11 months here I will be working to recruit, energize, and recognize volunteers. If you are interested in hearing about our volunteer opportunities at The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults please contact me at

sarah@ulmanfund.org
or
410.964.0202 ext 109

Also, keep in mind that October 24th is National Make a Difference Day! Start thinking about how you can help now!

Sarah Wainio
Volunteer Maryland Coordinator
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

Columbia Triathlon Association's Rob Vigorito is Half Full! Are you?

2009-10-02T08:00:00.003-04:00

October 2, 2009 - LIVESTRONG Day 2009

It is with great excitement that we announce a commitment from one of our long-time community partners and friends to support the Half Full Triathlon. The Columbia Triathlon Association and Robert Vigorito have formally announced their commitment to be one of our newest community partners in this cancer fighting initiative.

Are you ready to race the Vig! Watch the video to learn more...

Register for Half Full Triathlon today - LIVESTRONG Day 2009

http://www.halffulltri.org/

Todd Heap Gets in the FIGHT!

2009-09-23T16:47:00.014-04:00

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!"

2009-09-16T11:42:00.007-04:00

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!

2009-09-10T09:51:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-09-09T13:57:00.011-04:00

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!

LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Review: A World Without Cancer

2009-08-27T18:33:00.007-04:00

Lance Armstrong & Doug Ulman giving closing remarks at LIVESTRONG Global Summit

August 27, 2009

Wednesday marked the end of the Inaugural LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland. Gathering over 500 delegates from 60 different countries across the world, I was honored to represent the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and the adolescent and young adult cancer movement. We listened to informative and powerful presentations and participated in empowering working sessions on topics including the global cancer burden, the global economic impact of cancer, discussions on methods for better collaboration, innovation and transformation and activities around leadership, reach and story telling to help drive more effective social change.

While at the summit, I had was fortunate to connect and idea share with so many amazing fellow advocates, survivors, dignitaries, political figures and medical professionals. Below and above are some videos from the some of these extraordinary individuals and some scenes from the summit.

Watch World Without Cancer Video shown at LIVESTRONG Summit

24 Hours of Booty Visit to Ulman Cancer Fund Headquarters in Columbia, MD

2009-08-20T14:16:00.012-04:00

Brock Yetso (UCF Executive Director) interviews Basil Lyberg (24 Hours of Booty Executive Director) talk booty

Join fellow cyclist and cancer fighters at the Columbia Gateway Business Park for 24 Hours of Booty on September 26 & 27, 2009. Proceeds from this event will benefit the work of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and LIVESTRONG.

REGISTER TODAY at http://www.24hoursofbooty.org/

Acting Locally But Thinking Globally: UCF Participates in LIVESTRONG Global Summit

2009-08-18T16:42:00.005-04:00

Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults Selected to Participate in Premiere
LIVESTRONG® Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland

First-ever event to bring together world leaders, advocates and corporations from
more than 60 countries to address the global cancer burden

Columbia, Maryland, USA – August 18, 2009 – Today the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults announced that Brock Yetso (Executive Director) and Diana Ulman (Founding Member) will represent the organization at the premiere LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland, August 24 - 26. The Summit is the landmark event of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign, an effort of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). Yetso and Ulman will represent the organization’s commitment to fight cancer in Howard County and the Maryland/DC/VA Region and engage with world media, political leaders, representatives of non-governmental organizations and corporate leadership.

“In August of 1996 we were told that our son Doug had cancer – He was 19 – now, 13 years later, we join Doug, President of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and hundreds of determined advocates to build a world wide community resolute in its mission to take control of cancer – to conquer it – to triumph over it – all of us together – this is what we have been working toward – this is our journey – thank you, Doug for leading us here” said Diana Ulman, UCF Founding Member.

“The Global Cancer Summit provides our organization a unique opportunity to highlight the positive work in our community on a global platform. Using sport, education & awareness, and the mobilization of thousands of people around the young adult cause, we hope to change the way our community and region address the young adult cancer issue” commented Brock Yetso, UCF Executive Director.

“Cancer is a major public health problem that affects every country in every region of the world regardless of economic and social situation,” said Lance Armstrong, LAF founder and chairman, cancer survivor and champion cyclist. “Through collective action, we will make a renewed commitment to reducing the burden of cancer around the world and break down the stigma and silence too often associated with the disease.”

In September 2008, Armstrong announced the Foundation’s commitment to making cancer a global priority at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in New York. The LAF made this commitment after its worldwide research, conducted over 18 months, revealed widespread misconceptions, stigma and lack of awareness associated with cancer.

In response, the LAF established the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign to urgently address the burden of cancer worldwide and support the 28 million people living with cancer around the globe. Cancer kills more people every year than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. It is estimated that cancer will be the leading cause of death worldwide by 2010.

With such staggering statistics, the LAF recognized that a global challenge like cancer required a global movement. And so it began urging world leaders, leading cancer organizations and cancer survivors to join together by making commitments to take action in their communities to reduce the burden of cancer.

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults Global Commitment

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is proud to join the LIVESTRONG movement with a commitment to use sport, education and awareness at the community level to mobilize people in the fight against cancer.

Through grassroots advocacy & education, the promotion of exercise & healthy living and by facilitating young adult patient navigation in cancer centers, the UCF is working to empower young adults and families to face cancer with the knowledge, resources and hope necessary to thrive. Our work at the community level will help create and promote an environment where young people and families can come together to thrive against this deadly disease.
Description:
The UCF will commit delivering the following two programs as a participant in the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit.

1) Young Adult Patient Navigation Program at University of Maryland Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center - http://www.umgcc.org/patient_info/ulman_nav.htm

2) Half Full Triathlon on October 3, 2010 - a Half Iron distance triathlon hosted on LIVESTRONG Day weekend 2010 that will mobilize, educate and empower over 5,000 people in the fight against cancer - http://www.halffulltri.org

These two programs are in align with the 2020 targets in that they target public attitudes toward cancer, promote early detection and screening and promote access to accurate cancer diagnosis', appropriate cancer treatments, supportive care, rehabilitation services and palliative care which will faciliate improved outcomes for patients worldwide.
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is looking forward to participating in the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland from August 24-26, 2009 and helping to make the case for acting urgently to address the global cancer burden.

Unlike other conferences and forums, the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit is unique in that it will kick off a unified global movement while providing attendees the opportunity to connect with other advocates, network, gain media exposure and access tools and resources to help them mobilize in their own communities. Speakers include honorary Summit chair and former Irish President Mary Robinson, Irish Cancer Chief Professor Tom Keane, CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta as well as representatives from the World Health Organization and other global bodies.

For more information on the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign and the Summit, please visit http://www.livestrong.org/

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we fight for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. There can be – and should be – life after cancer for more people. That's why we kick in at the moment of diagnosis, giving people the resources and support they need to fight cancer head-on. We find innovative ways to raise awareness, fund research and end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face. We connect people and communities to drive social change, and we call for state, national and world leaders to help fight this disease. Anyone anywhere can join our fight against cancer. Join us at http://www.livestrong.org/.

MILLERSTRONG: Lax for Cancer!

2009-08-12T11:07:00.011-04:00

In the mid-atlantic region, the lacrosse community has always been a strong and intimate one. Through summer tournaments, camps and clinics, players and their parents from all over are brought together by their passion for the sport. The bond is significant and strong, which is why the overwhelming involvement of the lacrosse community at the 2^nd Annual Millerstrong Lacrosse Classic was no surprise.

The mission of the Millerstrong Lacrosse Classic is to utilize the lacrosse community to raise the voice of the We Believe Foundation in support of teens and young adults battling cancer. Millerstrong educates teens and young adults about early detection and gives lacrosse fans the opportunity to watch top notch lacrosse players in action, while they play in honor of Cancer Warriors.

Matt Miller, the inspiration for the event and the young man who is the reason behind the We Believe Foundation, kicked off The 2^nd Annual Millerstrong Lacrosse Classic on Saturday, August 1. Matt was diagnosed with testicular cancer in his senior year at DeMatha Catholic High School. He was one week away from receiving his official scholarship offer to play lacrosse at Drexel University. Matt was immediately taken into surgery for tumor chemotherapy. His journey with cancer was tough and painful, but through it all, Matt and his family always believed he would conquer cancer and be able to step on the field to lead his team as a Senior Captain that year. Matt achieved his goal and so much more. At the Millerstrong Lacrosse Classic, Matt’s mother, Sarah Miller announced that Matt has been cancer free for one year and she proudly watched him step on the field to play in the games that day with nearly 100 fellow lacrosse players honoring their own Cancer Warriors.

The Classic included guest speaker, Dave Pietramala, Head Coach for the Johns Hopkins University Men’s Lacrosse team. With the same enthusiasm Coach Pietramala uses to motivate his teams to National Championships, he spoke about how to overcome obstacles and maintain a positive attitude in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

After Coach Pietramala shared his message, each player was introduced and took a knee for the Cancer Warrior they were playing in honor of. After introductions were made, the day was filled with competitive lacrosse as Team Courage played Team Strength and Team Hope played Team Believe.

The stands were filled with lacrosse fans of all ages, and floating through the bleachers you could spot Mary Kay representatives dressed in bright pink t-shirts helping the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults “Ban the Burn” by handing out free sunscreen!

The Millerstrong Classic was more than just a lacrosse tournament. The players that took the field that day played with more than a heart filled with passion for the game. They played with passion for a cause that is greater than goals and assists. They played for those who are fighting and those who they have lost.

For more information on the Millerstrong Classic and the We Believe Foundation please visit: www.millerstrong.com

What do Bill Gates and Doug Ulman have in common?!?

2009-08-05T15:31:00.005-04:00

UCF Founder, Doug Ulman, speaking at UCF

Annual Awards Dinner on March 9, 2009

August 5, 2009

Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults founder, Doug Ulman, is honored as one of NonProfit Times 2009 Top 50 Power & Influence honorees. Recognizeed with some of the worlds greatest non-profit leaders including Bill Gates (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) and John Seffrin (American Cancer Society), Doug is applauded for his work including everything from his tweets and 300,000+ followers to leadership with LIVESTRONG the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Congratulations and thank you Doug for all the work you do on behalf of the UCF, LIVESTRONG and cancer survivors worldwide!

Learn more...

Get in the FIGHT - Cancer to 5K Registration

2009-08-03T17:21:00.007-04:00

Ongoing research shows that light to moderate exercise is an excellent way to combat fatigue and depression; two significant side effects that occur both during and after a variety of cancer treatments. The Ulman Cancer Fund’s CANCER to 5K program has been developed for cancer survivors who are currently in treatment for cancer and for cancer survivors who have completed treatment and are looking to add fitness to their current lifestyle.

The emotions at the CANCER to 5K Team’s most recent race – The Survivor Harbor 7 – in Baltimore, MD confirmed the claims made in this research. Participants, volunteers, coaches and spectators were bursting with pride every time a yellow CANCER to 5K shirt crossed the finish line. The members of the CT5K team have been through plenty of physical and emotional challenges in their lives, so it was remarkable to see them take control of their bodies and smile as they crossed that line and celebrated their great accomplishment on race day!

On Saturday, August 1 The Ulman Cancer Fund’s CANCER to 5K Team began the FALL 2009 training program. The program provides free 10 week training for all Cancer Survivors, ages 18-40+, regardless of diagnosis and/or treatment status.

This Fall The CANCER to 5K training will offer two (2) distance training programs:

5K & 7 Mile. The Team will be running in the Baltimore Running Festival 5K race and fielding two (2) 4-person Marathon Relay teams (7-miles per relay leg). The races will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2009 in Baltimore, MD. This season's training period is 10 weeks due to the race date as opposed to the normal 12-week training period.

* Cancer Survivors who are NEW to the CANCER to 5K program can train for the 5K race or the Marathon Relay Team (7-mile training). Training includes a personalized training schedule and coaching, free registration into the race, group training opportunities and a CT5K tshirt to be worn in the race, water-bottle and finisher medal (Medal presented upon finishing the race).

Upon registration, the CANCER to 5K Coaches will contact you to talk to you about your current fitness to get familiar with your experience and pace.

* Cancer Survivors who are ALUMNI of the CANCER to 5K program have the option to train sign up for either the 5K or the Marathon Relay team (7-mile training). Training includes a personalize training schedule and coaching, discounted registration into the race, a free tech tshirt, group training opportunities and a chance to reconnect with the training group and encourage and support new team members!

There are alternatives for those interested in the program that live out of the DC/VA area. Cancer to 5K offers coaching for "out-of-area" survivors as well. You can choose to sign up to train and race for the Baltimore Running Festival; do the training from home and meet up with the Team to run on race day OR you can choose a 5K or 7-mile race in your location (in/or around October 10, 2009 - within 1-2 weeks is recommended) and we'll support you with training and encouragement and get you to your RACE DAY GOAL!

Registration for the FALL 2009 Program is OPEN. Details on times and meeting locations for the Saturday morning and Tuesday evening Group Workouts can be found on the website: http://cancerto5k.com/

Open Registration for Cancer Survivors will close on Sunday, August 9, 2009.

Not a Cancer Survivor?

Volunteer positions for experienced runners are available on the CANCER to 5K team. We have a need for Pace Leaders to join us on either Saturday or Tuesday group workouts to help and we have a need for Race Day Sherpas to run with new runners on Race Day (October 1, 2009.)

Volunteers are welcome to all group workouts to train with the group and get to know the new runners prior to race day. Volunteer Runners who choose to be Race Day Sherpas (both 5K & 7 mile RELAY distance options) will be given a CANCER to 5K tech t-shirt and water-bottle for race day. Race registration details will be provided when you sign up as a volunteer.

Summer is going to be over before you know it! Come on out and join the Team as a Runner or a Volunteer! The Cancer to 5K program is a great way to get in shape, connect with fellow Cancer Survivors, conquer new challenges and GET IN THE FIGHT.

The rewards of the program go miles beyond the actual miles, medals and tshirts. These individuals form a team of survivors that serve as a unit of support for each other and inspiration for all.

Two Wins for Wassner Twins - Another Victory for TEAM FIGHT!!

2009-07-31T16:42:00.005-04:00

Friday July 31, 2009

Wassner twins each picked up a win over the weekend, with Rebeccah becoming the first New Yorker to win the NYC Triathlon while Laurel dominated the Uberman Tri in New Jersey. Laurel also raced in NY and finished 6th.

They're Ready to FIGHT!

2009-07-31T12:46:00.004-04:00

TEAM FIGHT entering the water together at the Aflac Iron Girl Practice Swim on July 31, 2009

This morning over 800 women gathered at Centennial Lake to participate in the "Dress Rehearsal/Practice Swim" for the Aflac Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon which will take place on August 23, 2009. Over 70 of the women present are part of the Ulman Cancer Fund's TEAM FIGHT! Training together for the past 6+ months, TEAM FIGHT entered the waters of Centennial Lake together as a wave and will continue work together out of the water to raise money and awareness to help FIGHT Cancer! To date, TEAM FIGHT has raised over $100K to support young adults and families affected by cancer in our community.

Congrats to all our TEAM FIGHTER'S who participated in the "Dress Rehearsal" and stay tuned for more updates in August.

To learn more about TEAM FIGHT - sign-up, make a donation....visit http://www.teamfight.org/

"IT"S ABOUT LAUREL"

2009-06-29T09:51:00.008-04:00

This is an excerpt of a campaign that will be airing worldwide as part of the LiveSTRONG "wear yellow" initiative. A great piece about Laurel's fight and her relationship with her twin sister Bec. We are proud to have them as a part of TEAM FIGHT and continually inspiring us to continue with the fight. There is much work to be done and please become involved.

Surviving with a SMILE

2009-06-17T15:40:00.012-04:00

Go to most running races and watch the faces of the finishers - you'll see grimaces, tears, frowns and smiles - every conceivable emotion can be seen at the Finish Line.

But there is a something in those smiles - joy, triumph, pride, sometimes a hint of relief...those are the people that I am drawn to every time. I want to know what makes them smile!

On Sunday at the Survivor Harbor 7 race in Baltimore, MD - Team CANCER to 5K: 20 runners & volunteers strong, all finished their races with BIG SMILES!

This season the CANCER to 5K program trained 15 runners for 12-weeks to run either the 4-mile or the 7-mile distance of the Survivor Harbor 7 race. Coach Bob Shaver led the way every Tuesday and Saturday at group workouts along with the help of this seasons new group of Assistant Coaches (Arnetta D., Destiney I., Monica R. and Andrea H.) and our ever present and dedicated group of volunteer pace leaders helped to encourage the group of survivors to new distances.

While in the beginning of the program, the common tie that binds this diverse group of people together is CANCER - either as a survivor, a supporter, a supportive family member, a volunteer - at the end of 12 weeks - it is the running, the training and the common goal to challenge themselves and "LiveSTRONG" that makes this group a Team.

Pace doesn't matter for Team CANCER to 5K - we cover the every part of the collective PACK (Front, Middle and Back) - what matters is that we are in this together - committed to taking a risk, trying something new (running) and showing ourselves and those around us that we will not let "cancer" determine what is possible and that we can reclaim our health - on our own terms and go onto to achieve great things!

With all these "personal goals", you would think that all that matters is the Finish Line - but that is not the case. This year, we had a few Teammates who were not able to race - those Teammates were there with us - in our hearts and minds as we covered the distance. They are facing the challenges of different fight's this season - recovery from injury, cancer diagnosis of family members, complications/reoccurrence of cancer & even happy changes in family status. All these challenges serve as a reminder to us all that STRENGTH and ENDURANCE are important in all facets of our life to be nurtured and encouraged and that to "LiveSTRONG" can have so many definitions.

For Helen , Shawn , Jessica W., Alisa and Katy S. - you were with us, every mile.

CONGRATULATIONS to the SPRING 2009 CANCER to 5K Team! You did it!!

FALL 2009 Season starts August 1, 2009: Come explore the meaning of the word ENDURANCE as a Cancer Survivor - One Mile at a Time! CANCER to 5K

Y.E.S. - Young Adults Embracing Survivorship

2009-06-10T16:27:00.007-04:00

This past Saturday marked the second annual Y.E.S. (Young adults Embracing Survivorship) program at the Y of Central Maryland, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Family Center at Stadium Place (where Memorial Stadium used to be).

Young adult cancer survivors, those currently living with cancer, their family members and loved ones, came together for a day of education and fun. This program is open to all interested young adults and especially those living in Baltimore City and its surrounding suburbs. The UCF partners with several other wonderful organizations to make this event possible, including- The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society- Maryland Chapter, along with a generous donor family; the Y of Central Maryland; and Towson University Department of Nursing.

Highlights of the day included- kicking off the day with an inspiring introduction by Mel Brennan (Y- Stadium place director and young adult cancer survivor); sharing personal preferences about wigs, scarves and the bald-is-beautiful look while exfoliating our faces (and lips!) in the LIVING WELL AND LOOKING GOOD session; male bonding by some fabulous co-survivors (our husbands/fiances/boyfriends) in the CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER session; learning about acupuncture and trying out massage in the PATH TO WELLNESS session; and exploring creative ways to deal with finances during treatment and survivorship in the FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR YOUR CANCER JOURNEY session.

The group meets on a quarterly basis at the Y for a more traditional support group (young adults only), and monthly in the community for social and networking activities. Please email Elizabeth if you have questions or are interested in joining (Elizabeth@ulmanfund.org).

Dancing to Help Fight Cancer!

2009-06-03T17:23:00.008-04:00

Julie and me with Matt & Allison Eyre (the winning couple)

The silly things we do for the cause!

Representing the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, my wife and I (Julie) participated in a dance competition last night while representing the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults! Julie works as a Physician Assistant in the BMT Unit at University of Maryland Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center so the fight against cancer is also a personal and professional passion of hers.

We were one of four couples to perform Howard County Tourism's Signature event - SOIREE…Rendezvous en Provence with a segment called “Dancing with Dazzling Howard County Stars.” We performed a cha-cha and east coast swing to the king of pop – Michael Jackson!

Unfortunately we didn’t win the competition but we accomplished the bigger goal we set when we decided to embark on this adventure. After 4 months worth of lessons with countless hours of cha-cha and swing, we can both say we had a blast and are confident we introduced the organization to many new faces in the 600+ person crowd at the event. Just one more step in raising awareness of the young adult cancer issue in our community!

Thanks to everyone who’s been following, supporting, poking fun of us during this dancing extravaganza! A special thank you to our sponsor, Columbia Triathlon Association, and our dedicated dance instructor (Emily) at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Columbia. Congratulations to all the other couples that attended and the entire Howard County Tourism team on a spectacular event.

I never would have imagined this was in my job description but sometimes the fight against cancer asks you to do the unusual and go that extra distance!

Check out our bio and lean more about the even on Howard County Tourim’s event site: http://www.howardcountymd.gov/HCT/hct_dancers.htm

My Sister, My Teammate! "The Gannoe Sisters"

2009-06-01T10:43:00.011-04:00

This week we are delighted to feature the winner of the ExtraOrdinary Runner Award for May 2009, Heather Gannoe.

In her interview she shares her boundless enthusiasm for running, recovering from a soft-drink addiction, her joy as a mother, and her devotion to her sister.
We think you'll enjoy getting to know more about her running, racing, and life outside of running.
Welcome & Congratulations, Heather!

What was the hardest part of running when you started? How has it changed over the last few years?
The hardest part of running when I started was the actual "starting" itself. It is so hard in the beginning. It hurts, you are sucking wind, you hate it, you wonder why you even bother. But once you start to see results, you realize all of that hurt pays off! And then comes the runners high we all love! Over the years, I've learned that you just have to push through those hard days, because those are the days that will pay off during a race! Without those horrible days, you will never improve. And you will never appreciate the good runs!

How is your running different and how has it changed with kids?
My running is different today because I consider myself in the beginner stages once again. I had to quit running halfway through my last pregnancy due to some complications. And after the baby was born, I had a really hard time adjusting to life with two children for the first few months. So running has been on the backburner for the last year. I'm very happy to be slowly working my way back. The current challenges I face are obviously working around the kids. Many of my runs are done with them in the jog stroller, but I still can't just run out the door whenever I feel like it. First I have to take baby inventory: Is everyone fed? Diapers changed? I have to pack snacks, sippy cups, toys, make sure they are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather...getting ready is almost a workout in itself! We don't have a lot of family in town, and their father and I work opposite shifts, so solo-runs are few and far in between, but it makes me appreciate them that much more! I aspire to one day be one of those "early morning" runners while everyone in the house still sleeps, but with the baby still nursing, he is usually up before I am!
What is your favorite training or racing distance?
My favorite racing distance is the 5k. Just long enough to challenge yourself, but short enough that you can go all out from the start.

What is your favorite race?
I think my favorite race so far has been the Virginia Beach Shamrock 1/2 marathon. It was a beautiful, flat, course, with amazing crowd and race support. And some of the funniest water-stops I've ever seen! I'm running the Virginia Beach Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon this September, I can't wait to go back!

Tell us about your recent breakup with your favorite drink? Why now?
I am a Mountain Dew junkie...hopefully soon to be "former junkie". I would drink it for breakfast like others drink coffee. And then lunch, and then dinner...some days I'm sure most of my caloric intake was from Mountain Dew alone! I've always threatened to quit, but would never make it more than 12 hours without caving in to a craving. This time, a combination between not being able to lose the last 5-10 lbs of baby weight, not being able to survive mornings without caffeine, and knowing that I need to properly fuel my body if I want to become more serious about my running, made me decide to quit for good. I'm currently on day number 5 soda free! I already feel so much better, it's hard to describe! And I've seriously already lost a few pounds! Laying off the soda has also made me lay off the junk food, they seemed to go hand in hand. I'm still craving the Mtn. Dew, I won't lie, it has been hard, but I really haven't had any sort of craving for any junk food.

What is on your list of big running goals?
As most runners can relate, the big goal on my radar is currently a Boston Marathon qualifying time. I hate to admit it, but I didn't properly train for my first two marathons, and my finishing times reflected it. I am in the very beginning stages of training for an October marathon (Baltimore) and plan to really apply myself and stick to the training plan. I know that physically, with training, my body is capable of a 3:40 marathon. I think the hardest part will be training my brain to believe it! Other goals I have are a sub 20:00 5k (even a 19:59 will make me happy!) and in the very BIG picture, I'd love to complete a marathon in all 50 states, plus D.C.

What are your "must have's" for running - gear, gadgets, etc?
A good pair of sneakers and some comfy running clothes are all I need! I currently run in Adidas Supernova Glides. I was a die hard Adidas Brevard fan, but I have been having a hard time finding them, so I switched. Although I don't always run with it, i do love my Garmin 305. I don't utilize the heart rate monitor as much as I should, but I just love knowing my exact distance and pace.

Tell us more about your sister - is she still doing well? How does she feel about your salute to her?
She is doing very well! She just married her sweetheart, Jim, they had the most beautiful wedding this April! Holly is now in the midst of training for Ironman USA in Lake Placid NY this July. I'm not sure how she feels about my salute to her! She is a very humble person, and I think sometimes all of the bragging I do about my awesome sister may seem like a bit much to her. But she really is my best friend and my inspiration, and an inspiration to so many others! Words could never express how very proud I am of her!

Tell us about the Ulman Cancer Fund and your fund raising.
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is a wonderful organization. They provide support programs, education and resources, free of charge, to young adults, their families and friends, who are affected by cancer. It's estimated that around 65,000 15-39 year olds are diagnosed with cancer each year, and in the last 35 years, survival rates for this demographic have NOT improved. There are many cancer organizations out there, but few that deal with this specific age group. Young adults diagnosed with cancer face challenges many others might not have to deal with, such as delayed diagnosis, staying in school, feeling isolated from peers, or even lack of health insurance. I can not imagine what it must be like, fresh out of college and on my own for the first time, only to be blindsided with a cancer diagnosis. I am running the 2009 Baltimore running festival Marathon as a part of the Ulman Cancer Fund's "Team Fight". Not only am I "fighting" to raise money for this organization (I've pledged to raise $1,000) but I'm fighting to help raise awareness for young adult cancer survivors.

Tell us more about the Cancer to 5K program.
Cancer to 5k is one of the awesome programs funded by the Ulman Cancer Fund. It is a free 12-week training program designed to introduce and/or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity by providing them with the training program, coaches, encouragement and support necessary to complete a 5K . It was developed by my sister, Holly Shoemaker, who stayed very active throughout her cancer diagnosis and treatment. When you are sick, many may be quick to tell you to "take it easy" and "rest". But there are numerous benefits of exercise for cancer survivors, including stronger immune systems, decreased anxiety and fatigue, and fewer signs and symptoms of depression. It is a fantastic program, now in it's fourth season, and has been incredibly successful in helping numerous survivors achieve their goal of running a 5k. Some of them have already gone as far as running 10ks and half marathons, and a few are even training for their first full marathons! You can learn more about Cancer to 5k at http://www.cancerto5k.org/

Why do you run?
I run for so many reasons! First of all, because I CAN. There are so many people out there who would give anything to be able to run, or even walk for that matter. God gave me a healthy body, and I'll be darned if I'm going to let it go to waste! Second of all, I run because I love running. I may not always love the way I feel during a run, but I always love the way I feel after a run! I have a great T-shirt that says "running is cheaper than therapy". It's so true. Running clears my mind, keeps me sane in this crazy world, and gives me confidence. I love pushing myself to see what my body and my mind can do. I love seeing my training pay off in a P.R. or with an age group placement. And of course there are the health and physical benefits. It's nice to not have to wear "mom jeans"!

What advice would you give other runners?
Never forget why you love this sport. So many times we get caught up in numbers, miles, paces, that we get frustrated with ourselves. It can make you start to resent running, and that's not what it's all about.

What advice would you give running moms?
Make your running a priority, and don't feel guilty about it. So often I hear other moms make excuses like "oh I just don't have the time to run (exercise, etc). There just aren't enough hours in the day". For a second, it makes me feel a little selfish, putting my running in front of other things. But then I realize that not only am I benefiting, but so are my children. They have a happy, healthy mother who is teaching by example how to lead a healthy lifestyle. What will my boys remember in the long run? Their strong, confident mom or the fact that the house was spotless? I'm not saying to totally forget the housework, but the laundry pile isn't going to self destruct if it must wait until tomorrow morning.

What advice would you give family and friends of someone going through cancer diagnosis and treatment?
I would tell them to just be supportive. If anything, I regret not being there more for Holly during her treatment. I was at a very different place in my own life at that point, and I am very thankful that we have become so close since then. But just BE there for that person. Do your research. There are MANY organizations , such as the Ulman Cancer Fund and the LIVESTRONG organization, that are out there to support and help not only the patient but the family as well.

What do you do when you aren't running?
I am headed back to school full time this fall to finish up my bachelors degree in exercise and sports science. I spent three years in school as a marine science major, feeling kind of lost and uninspired. I took 5 years off from school before returning and switching to this program, and I definitely have my love for running to thank for it. I sometimes joke that when I grow up, I want to be Richard Simmons. But I'm only sort of joking! I want to inspire and help people to make fitness a part of their life.
I currently work full time as a bartender/waitress at a beach front restaurant. For fun, we love to go to the beach as a family ,which we are very blessed to have easy access to here in South Carolina! I love to surf, although I don't get to do it nearly as much these days (they don't make anything equivalent to the jog stroller in the surfing world!) I love to blog, and when I'm inspired, i love to scrapbook!

You have two beautiful children - tell us more about them and what they are into now. How does that affect your running?
Thank you! Yes, I have been blessed with two wild boys. Rowen is two and a half, and in the middle of the famous terrible twos! He actually isn't that bad, just likes to push Mommy and Daddy's buttons to see exactly what he can and can not get away with! And Kain is now 7 months old, and his favorite thing to do is roll across the floor. You put him down and he's on the other side of the room in the blink of an eye! As I mentioned earlier, it's all about working my run in around them, whether they come with me in the jog stroller or I can leave them at home with Dad. Either way, I still manage to squeeze the run in!

Have you named your Garmin?
Ha ha, yes. His name is "coach". Coach Garmin. I love him and I hate him all at the same time! He pushes me to run faster, but sometimes takes the "fun" out of running. So Coach and I have been trying to find our perfect balance.

Favorite music while running?
Oh this is a tough one! I don't run with music very often, for safety reasons. I never run with music while pushing the kids in the jog stroller, or while racing. But on the treadmill or the occasional solo run when I like to zone out, I find loud, upbeat music works for me. I love the collaboration "Collision Course" between Linkin Park and Jay-Z. The whole CD pushes me!
Any parting comments?I just wanted to say THANK YOU for allowing me this outlet to spread the word about the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and Cancer to 5k! If anyone wants any more information, or would like to visit my fundraising page. I'm so glad to have found the Runner's Lounge, and access to runners all over the country!

HALF FULL Triathlon: A 70 Mile Fight for Young Adult Cancer Support - .9 Mile Swim, 56 Mile Bike, 13.1 Mile Run

2009-05-19T07:34:00.005-04:00

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is excited to announce how it plans to make a bold statement about the fight against cancer in 2010. On October 3, 2010 we will host the inaugural Half Full Triathlon: A 70 Mile Fight for Young Adult Cancer Support. This won’t be your ordinary triathlon. We are making a statement about cancer and we need your help.

Each year an estimated 70,000 young adults, ages 15-40, are diagnosed with cancer. Young adults are often marginalized in a medical system that lacks specific resources geared toward their unique needs and issues. Cancer is the leading cause of death in this age group. Five year survival rates for the majority of young adult cancers have not increased since 1975.

We chose the distance of 70 Miles versus the more well-known 70.3 Milie distance for this race for one important reason.

70,000 is the # of young adults diagnosed with cancer each year

This is a statistic that needs people’s attention. It is unacceptable. We will change it. Despite these challenges, our vision for the future is HALF FULL!

The Half Full Tri will help make the young adult cancer issue a priority and together we can improve the 70,000 statistic. Every Mile you race you're helping support this population of young people battling cancer.

Proceeds benefit the work of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and the LIVESTRONG™ Young Adult Alliance. Your efforts will fuel our shared missions of informing, empowering, and building community for young adults with cancer and their families.

Swim, Bike, Run, and Fight for young adults with cancer on 10/3/2010 in Columbia, Maryland. As a participant in this inaugural event you’ll be joining people around the globe as they collectively fight cancer the same weekend of world-wide LIVESTRONG™ Day.

We believe HALF FULL is having hope and optimism in the face of adversity. Whether it is a 70 Mile triathlon or the fight against cancer, HALF FULL is having the determination and positive attitude to get to your finish line. Surrounded by friends, family and fellow athletes – we are all in this fight together. One Mile at a time, we will finish this race, but more importantly - WIN this cancer battle!

Get in the FIGHT!

Visit us at www.twitter.com/halffulltri and tell us what HALF FULL means to you
Find us on Facebook at halffulltriathlon
Visit http://www.halffulltri.org/ for event updates including race routes, registration, sponsorship opportunities and more

Brock Yetso
Executive Director

Great Day for TEAM FIGHT

2009-05-18T13:56:00.012-04:00

An unbelievable weekend for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and TEAM FIGHT. The weekend was kicked off by a very generous group of volunteers helping at the Columbia Triathlon Packet Pick-Up. We could never think of doing any of this without the support of our Voluteers. THANK YOU ALL!

The TEAM then assembled for a pre-race dinner with over 70 people in attendance. Inspirational and emotional stories we shared by survivors Sylvia and Laurel further connecting the TEAM to the reason why we were all there. 70,000 Young Adults are diagnosed with cancer every year. Survival rates have not improved in over 30 years! This is unacceptable and TEAM FIGHT’ers have stepped up in force to get noticed and make a difference.

Coach Kevin was kind enough to share his story of his good friend “Ironman Dan” who recently lost his battle with Leukemia earlier in the month. Thank you for sharing Kevin and thank you to Colleen for telling the story of Dan’s fight in a way that we could connect even further.
Race day came before the sun came up and actually I don’t think we ever saw it through the clouds and rain. But, trust me, there was no way it could rain on our parade. There was so much positive energy that morning. The support that each and every one of the TEAM FIGHT’ers received on the course was truly inspirational. As I rode my bike on the course I could hear a chorus of “GO TEAM FIGHT” every time I needed it most.

During the time I spent on the bike I had time to reflect on what this race was about to me. The race was about people rallying together for a great cause and uniting to create awareness about the support that is necessary for the Young Adult Cancer world! New friendships were forged and those observing the race HAD to have recognized the group of triathletes decked out in YELLOW and BLUE having the time of their lives.

TEAM FIGHT was privileged to have a pre-race meal with the eventual 2009 Columbia Triathlon 1st and 3rd place finishers, Bec and Laurel Wassner. I had chills as I heard their names as I went out on the bike course to the cheers from the thousands of fans on hand. What an unbelievable accomplishment and what a prideful way of representing TEAM FIGHT. You will never hear bragging from the Wassner’s. BUT you will see them FIGHTING each time they hit the course.

Thank you all so much for your support. You have all contributed in such a powerful way. We are hopeful, optimistic and we are making a difference in the fight for young adults affected by cancer.

Brian
UCF Assistant Director

Bec Wassner Wins St. Anthony's Triathlon

2009-05-01T11:16:00.004-04:00

Can TEAM FIGHT possibly have better spokespeople! Go Laruel, Bec and TEAM FIGHT!

BRAIN CANCER at 22 years old?

2009-04-13T09:57:00.002-04:00

BRAIN CANCER at 22 years old? Does this really happen? Not only does it happen it happened to me. March, 2004 my world came to a screeching halt. I began having severe pain on the back left side of my head and became increasingly dizzy. After being misdiagnosed 3 times, I had an MRI that showed the orange sized tumor rapidly growing on the back of my brain.

I was immediately rushed to the hospital. On Sunday, May 21st, 2004 I had a successful 7 ½ hour brain surgery removing the entire tumor. I was in the Intensive Care Unit for 2 weeks following surgery. Doctors told me there was a less than 5% chance the tumor was cancerous. A week and a half later I was given the devastating news. I had cancer!

Because the type of cancer I had, Medulloblastoma, is most commonly found in children I was referred to a doctor at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. There, I was treated by the guru of Medulloblastoma’s and a wonderful team of Pediatric Oncologists. Along with my neurosurgeon, they are the reason I am alive and doing so well today. I was given a plan of action and began cranial/spinal radiation shortly there after. Radiation is the most important key in fighting this type of cancer in adults, but it took a huge toll on my body. I was nauseous and tired all of the time. I lost all of my hair. I stayed with my parents during treatment and visited my husband of 1 ½ years on the weekends. We had just moved into our new house a week prior to my surgery and I was always happy to go home!

Radiation therapy does not take long (about a minute). For me, that minute was pure hell and seemed like forever. I would lie on my stomach with my head clamped into a device that should only be used on criminals as a form of torture. Three weeks into radiation I developed appendicitis and had surgery to remove my appendix. As a result, this delayed radiation a week and sent my doctor’s into a tailspin. Radiation is never supposed to be interrupted…especially for an entire week. Chemotherapy was an option, but, to me, the risks outweighed the benefits. I declined chemo treatment.

The vast amount of radiation I received has caused problems that I still battle to this day. About three years after treatment was completed I developed cataracts in both eyes. They grew very quickly, so I had surgery to remove them. The spinal radiation caused my stomach to become paralyzed, so this makes it very hard for me to digest food. I take medicine that helps, but I have to be very careful with what I eat. To me, these are just minor problems that are under control and I’m thankful to live a relatively “normal” life.

I will be five years cancer free this May! I was told after my treatment that I would never have children. My son turns 2 in June. I’ve learned that doctors are great in many ways, but they do not know everything. Having an unwavering faith, supportive husband and family is the reason I am as strong as I am today. I am truly lucky to be alive and I am thankful that I’m able to be a part of an organization as wonderful as the Ulman Cancer Fund. I felt very isolated going through cancer at 22 years old. As a result, my goal is to work with the Ulman Cancer Fund to be a friend and advocate for as many young adult cancer patients and survivors as I can.

Kelly Ruszala

Young Adult Cancer Survivor

"Help One Person"

2009-04-08T13:09:00.004-04:00

Best said by Doug Ulman and echoed in a recent blog by Laurel Wassner, “if he could just inspire or help one person in some way, then he'd be happy.” As I reflect on Young Adult Cancer Awareness week, I am trying to understand how I “fit” into the bigger picture. I thankfully have not had to personally fight this dreaded disease, but have met many amazing people in the last few months that stare cancer in the face every day and every minute. I wonder how I would fight. How I would deal with cancer?
I am truly inspired by those I have met who are fighting, each in their own way. I have made some great friendships that have truly opened my eyes as to what living really is about. When I embarked on this new journey with the Ulman Cancer Fund, I truly had no idea what I was getting into other than I knew it “felt” right and I am still not sure what that means.
We are making great progress here in these very tough economic times. We are forging ahead with a renewed strength and focus on our mission. New relationships are being built and old relationships are being strengthened. New faces have been brought on board and familiar faces have stepped up to new levels.
So, where does Brian fit in? HERE! As Doug and Laurel reminded me, if I can make one person’s life a little better, a little easier, isn’t that what it is all about? As I was sitting with a new friend yesterday, who happens to be a survivor, watching her 4 month old smiling and bouncing on her leg, I realized that I am seeing things in a new light. Thanks Sylvia! I am trying not to take for granted what I have in my life. A great family and great friends are not givens in everyone’s life. I am thankful for what I have been blessed to have and appreciate it more than ever.
As time moves on in this journey, I can’t imagine what is in store for the future, but I promise you I will do my best to help more people and have a positive impact in the community in which my daughters will grow up.
So I look to the fighters and I smile. I look at the picture above of my friend Laurel who is always smiling as she competes in events that challenge her physical ability. I want to thank them all for helping me understand where I fit in!
Be good and smile!
Brian
UCF Assistant Director

Thank You from the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

2009-03-30T16:06:00.004-04:00

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our Annual Gala "Eleven-The Event" with Vern Yip. You are truly making a difference and helping to raise awareness and funds in support of Young Adults affected by cancer and their loved ones.

Enjoy the Slideshow!

Thank you!

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults Staff

Make a Choice Make a Difference

2009-03-27T11:44:00.000-04:00

One morning in August of 2001, I was taking a shower just like any other morning. Except for on that morning, I discovered a lump as I brushed soap away from my skin. Less than a year prior I had a routine baseline mammogram which was negative, so finding a lump just under the surface of my skin was somewhat disconcerting. By the time the subsequent examinations and tests were completed, it was just a few days away from Christmas. My surgeon called for me to come to her office so that she could discuss the test results with me. I was 36 and had no family history of breast cancer. That night I was told that I had an aggressive form of breast cancer. As I sat there in shock listening to her go over the pathology report and describe the next steps, I remember her words “this doesn’t have to be a death sentence”.

As part of the staging process, patients will have diagnostic tests done to see whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. While waiting for my bone scan, I sat in the patient waiting area along with other cancer patients. One woman looked over at me and asked what I was having done. She openly told me that she was stage 4 and this was her third time being diagnosed with breast cancer. She told me “not to be afraid and look at this experience as a gift”. At some point in her treatment she had a bi-lateral mastectomy without reconstruction. I know this because she told me as well as showed me, right there in the waiting room. Her willingness to be herself without shame or embarrassment helped me understand that beauty was more than skin deep. Her beauty came from within. Meeting her gave me a sense of confidence and hope without fear because knowing all that she had been through; she was still fighting the battle and doing it with grace and without fear.

Since the initial diagnoses, I have had 8 surgeries, 24 weeks of chemoimmunotherapy, 7 weeks of daily radiation, 5 days of in-patient hospital care, adjunct hormonal therapy, and multiple diagnostic tests to determine the staging of the cancer. Why so many surgeries? Well, in November of 2003 I had a recurrence. Same breast, same cancer. It had survived surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Specialists debated whether the cancer had metastasized to the skin just above the incision area. One specialist thought that within a year the cancer would be somewhere else in my body. Hearing that was probably the lowest moment in my life. I remember walking to my car, thinking that I was going to die. That thought was quickly replaced with another thought, “I can believe that I am dying and act like it or believe that I am alive”. Living is a choice and from that day forward, I decided to make a choice and live.

Choosing to live doesn’t necessarily mean that life is without challenges. There were other challenges associated with having breast cancer. Some of these challenges included finding relevant information to make informed decisions about treatment options for young women with breast cancer, finding other young women who had gone through or were going through similar experiences, juggling the demands of working full-time with getting well, and dealing with the long-term side effects of treatment, such as hypothyroidism, memory issues, early onset of menopause, and the physical appearance of scarring from a bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery.

This experience has shown me that being a young, working woman with breast cancer presents unique challenges and emotional hurdles. Looking back on this experience, I sometimes wonder how it compares with that of other working women my age who have gone through similar ordeals with breast cancer. I am also curiosity as to whether or not other young, working women with breast cancer are treated in the same fashion as their older counterparts.

Despite my challenges I look at each day as a gift. I have completed two marathons since my original diagnosis, will be training for the Iron Girl Triathlon coming up August 2009 in support of the Ulman Foundation, and I am currently pursuing my PhD. My curiosity about the experiences of other young, working women with breast cancer is driving my dissertation topic. It is through the exploration of these experiences that this study will examine how cancer treatment centers cared for and served the needs of these women with breast cancer.

I hope that sharing my experience makes a difference, just like the women in the waiting room made a difference to me. If you would also like to make a difference by participating in my study, I am looking for 12-16 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40 and who were also working at the time of diagnosis to participate in my study. During the spring of 2009, I will be conducting interviews with these women. The names of those participating in the study will remain confidential. As a participant in this study, you will be asked to take part in a one-hour recorded interview conducted by me. The interview will be scheduled at your convenience and at your location of choice, either face-to-face or over the phone. Each participant will be required to sign an informed consent form, that must be returned to me prior to conducting the interview.

If you fit this description and would like to be a participant of this study, please email me at bcsurvivornetwork@comcast.net. I would forward to seeing you at an upcoming Ulman Foundation event.

Most Sincerely,
Joni Dowling

How Lucky is Nancy Arthur!?!

2009-03-24T10:57:00.003-04:00

Very Lucky! I’m Nancy Arthur, 31year old female. Around this time last year, one evening, out of the blue I had a couple of seizures and was rushed to the hospital to discover that I had a 5cm, Stage III, Anaplastic Astrocytoma, aka- brain tumor, in the right frontal lobe of my brain. Being in the medical profession, or any profession for that matter, I knew this wasn’t good. That evening I was transferred to John’s Hopkins Hospital and the following day I was having major brain surgery! My nuero-surgeon, Dr. Quinones, was extremely positive and passionate about his job. You need that when they are going to work on your main computer of your body.

After my craniotomy, it took awhile for my left side to come back since the tumor was near the part of the brain that controls my left side motor skills, personality, decision making, etc... After I left Hopkins I was sent straight to an Inpatient Rehab Hospital for a week, where I had intense rehab in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. I had to relearn how to do normal daily activities, such as, walking, talking, bathing, etc... I remember thinking… that I knew what word I wanted to say but just couldn’t think of it. It was very frustrating. My brain was so swollen due to surgery. Once I repeatedly connected the neurons, they made tracks in my brain that made things become like second nature, like such a simple act of opening and closing my hand. The simple things that people take for granted, everyday. With effort and pure determination I worked at becoming the same Nancy I used to be.

Once I returned home from the inpatient rehab facility, I continued to do outpatient rehab until I was strong enough to start my treatment. I did 6 ½ weeks of radiation therapy with an oral chemo. Then I took a break for my body to build up strength. The second phase of my treatment was 6 rounds of oral chemotherapy. I just finished my 6th and final round on March 1st of 2009!! I couldn’t have done so well without the support of my loving family, friends, and strangers. I so thankful that I had all the positive energy pointed my way to allow me to beat this disease.

This is why I feel so lucky? It was not an easy recovery but I’m so glad this happen to me (in a weird way). It definitely, showed me how strong I was not to give up and keep on fighting. If I can do this, I can do anything! Also, it taught me never ever take anything for granted. Since this has happened to me my relationships are so much stronger with everyone. It makes you look at things in a different light. Always, look at the bright side of things; somebody has it worse than you. Life is full of uncertainty. Why dwell on what you can’t do and when you can dwell on what you can do! Positive thinking goes along way. I truly believe that if you have a positive outlook you can heal and live so much better!

Nancy Arthur

Young Adult Cancer Survivor

Jessica's Story

2009-03-19T16:55:00.005-04:00

I was 28 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2006. I had a routine breast exam as part of my annual check-up. Although she told me that I had nothing to worry about, my primary care physician recommended a follow-up ultrasound and mammogram.

As it turned out, I had a lot to worry about. Two days after Christmas I learned my biopsy results: cancer. Less than two months later, I received another blow. The pathology report from my mastectomy indicated invasive ductal carcinoma. Not only had I lost my breast but I was going to lose my hair as well. 17 days after my first chemotherapy infusion (which landed me back in the hospital because I got so ill), my long straight hair started to fall out in clumps and my now-husband, Michael, found me crying on the bathroom floor.

But we pulled it together and didn’t miss a beat. We drove to a salon that sees women undergoing chemotherapy and got our heads shaved bald. The process was strangely empowering at a time when I had little control over anything else. From that day forward, at least outside the office, my preferred head covering was nothing. . . just my shiny bald head.

In the week before my last infusion in June 2007, two things happened. Michael proposed to me, and I accepted. And, along with 8 supportive friends, I walked the Komen Race for the Cure to celebrate the end of my treatment and our successful efforts to raise over $20,000 to support Komen. I was proud of my efforts, but all of those signs on race day – “in loving memory,” “we miss you mom” – were too much for me. I tried a support group, but the stories of my fellow patients and survivors’ diagnoses, treatments and prognoses scared and overwhelmed me. The support group setting was right for some people but not for me.

Six months later, I found what I needed when I joined the cancer to 5K program, a UCF-supported training program that helps young adult cancer survivors prepare for a 5k road race. My fellow runners and I shared a struggle and a goal but we didn’t talk much about cancer while we were running. We talked about life, and work, and weekend plans. With them, I ran a 5k and then a 7-miler, and today, I am training for a half marathon with Team in Training. I have taken control of my physical fitness, and along with my improved physical health have come the confidence and emotional security that I needed.

I also learned that I didn’t want to avoid cancer patients and survivors as I initially thought. I simply wanted their companionship in a different setting. With that in mind, I wrote to UCF in the hopes that I could find another “quiet survivor.” UCF and Imerman Angels paired me with a breast cancer survivor in Chicago who is my age, with my same diagnosis and treatment, who has a professional career, and who is planning a wedding to the man who saw her through diagnosis and treatment. We email each other our stories and together, we are dedicated to living healthy and happy post-cancer lives.

But I will admit that a breast cancer diagnosis at 28 was shattering. Even for a fairly confident woman whose notions of self worth are not wrapped up in body image, losing a breast was traumatic. More than at any other age, I wanted to feel and look pretty. But after my surgery, my clothes didn’t fit quite right; they pulled to one side. I became self-conscious in the gym locker room. I felt that people on the street could look at me and tell that I was disfigured under my layers of clothing, or that they could see that my implant was larger than my natural breast. I would glance around a crowded bar or restaurant and think to myself: I’m all alone. These people have no idea what I’ve been through.

Because of my age, I also confronted issues of fertility. My doctors couldn’t tell me whether I would be able to have children after chemotherapy (I have since met many woman who have conceived after treatment). Although I didn’t want children at the time, I also didn’t want cancer to make this important life decision for me. So I consulted a fertility specialist about harvesting eggs. But in the end, I couldn’t bear the thought of injecting myself with the very hormones that fueled the growth of my hormone-receptive cancer. And, I couldn’t fathom delaying my chemotherapy to do it. So, I decided to take the risk that I might not be able to naturally or otherwise conceive. Michael was fully supportive, and I am thankful for that.

At a time in my life when everything should have been moving forward with an eye toward the future, my life plans came to a screaming halt. But despite cancer, Michael and I married in September, and I turned 31 in February.

My hopes for my 31st year? (1) no more cancer, (2) complete a sprint-distance triathlon.

Jessica Tanner

Breast Cancer Survivor

Yern Yip's Personal Connection to the Ulman Cancer Fund

2009-03-17T10:48:00.006-04:00

Why Vern Yip Fights!

Come join the FIGHT.

www.ulmanfund.org

Eleven-THE EVENT Experience

2009-03-16T10:20:00.004-04:00

My first annual UCF event was a fabulous experience! Last week I attended 11, the Event with my girlfriends, two of whom are also cancer survivors. It was a great night, and I was honored to be chosen as a survivor guest. The themed chairs were incredible to look at- you saw into the heart of a survivor, caregiver, or supporter- and how cancer personally effected them. The chairs were full of color, hope, uniqueness, time, and energy.

There was a special chair for all survivors to sign- and that meant a lot to Nancy, Shannon and me. I always am so encouraged and in awe of how hard UCF works for young adult cancer survivors.

Cancer Survivors: Sylvia (5 years), Shannon (2 years) & Nancy, (1year).

While in the main program in the auditorium it was amazing to look around and see all of the support there was. It's quite an honor and encourages me to give back and help for those who have helped me on my cancer journey.

Listening to a former American Idol contestant Diana Degarmo was awesome- she lit up the stage. Seeing all of the honorees and hearing what they are doing for UCF and the cancer community was amazing- it was an honor to be among them! And Vern Yip had a beautiful tribute to his mother, and the premier of his Deserving Design episode featuring a UCF Scholarship winner (and major butt kicker with cancer!) was quite a treat.

The night was awesome, and I can't wait till 12- the event! :)

Sylvia Donovan
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survivor

Designing A Hopeful Community for Young Adults Fighting Cancer

2009-03-11T16:04:00.004-04:00

On Monday, we celebrated an exciting milestone in our organization’s history. In addition to turning eleven years old and reflecting on many years of service to the young adult cancer community, this years event also marked the organizations renewed commitment to our local community – Howard County and the Mid-Atlantic Region. One year into implementing a five year strategic plan, the UCF has made a strategic decision to allocate the majority of its organizational resources towards programs and projects that impact the local community. By scaling back our involvement in several national initiatives and focusing on a few core programs impacting the Mid-Atlantic Region, the UCF believes it will make a more profound impact on the lives of the young adults and families it reaches. In addition, a more focused organization will enable the UCF to develop model programs that can be evaluated and replicated in other communities and institutions across the country.

Eleven was a huge success and paid tribute to five community partners that have helped us get to where we are and will continue to be instrumental in our future work at the community level. We honored the following groups and individuals for their outstanding commitment to the UCF and young adults fighting cancer; our Founders Award to HGTV’s Vern Yip, our Partner Award to Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, our Young Adult “Fight” Award to cancer survivor Holly Gannoe and her Cancer to 5K program, our Volunteer Award to Felix Scherzinger & Eden Stotsky for their work on Long After Cancer, our Hope Award to Dr. Kevin Cullen of University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center.

The event also featured inspiring remarks HGTV host and UCF Founders Award recipient, Vern Yip, along with an advanced screening of an episode of Deserving Design which featured the story of young adult cancer survivor & UCF Scholarship recipient Christina Gavegnano.

Check out some exciting activities around Eleven – THE EVENT

Vern’s visit University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center – http://www.umgcc.org/patient_info/ulman_nav.htm
Vern’s visit to Howard Community College – http://www.explorehoward.com/events-entertainment/16386/yip-finds-deserving-designs-hcc-event/

Brock Yetso
Executive Director

“Behind the Scenes” with HGTV’s Vern Yip – Sneak Preview of UCF Deserving Design Episode

2009-03-04T13:51:00.002-05:00

In early November 2009, I traveled to Atlanta, GA to be on the set of HGTV’s Deserving Design with Vern Yip. Click here for a behind the scenes look of the making of a very special Deserving Design episode that will feature UCF Scholarship Winner and cancer survivor Christina Gavegnano.

On Monday March 9, 2009, UCF will host Eleven – THE EVENT at the Horowitz Performing Arts Center where we will have an ADVANCED SCREENING of this Special Deserving Design episode.

To learn more or purchase tickets for Eleven – THE EVENT
visit www.ulmanfund.org/11theevent, email Debbie@ulmanfund.org or call 410.964.0202 ext. 103

Brock Yetso
UCF Executive Director

2x Cancer Survivor and Living Life!

2009-02-27T13:29:00.005-05:00

Disbelief, loneliness, fear, anger, despair, faith, hope and love. These feelings were all too real when I first heard the words “you have a liver tumor” and later “it turned out to be cancer.” Not once, but twice. Sometimes I wonder which was worse: facing cancer for the first time or dealing with a recurrence. The recurrence is scarier because you know what is ahead of you and how tough it is going to be. But you have no other option but fight for your life and that’s exactly what I did.

During a routine checkup, a mass was spotted on my liver. I was only 28 years old and had never spent a night in a hospital. The idea of having aggressive surgery was scary enough and nothing could prepare me for what was coming ahead: twelve hours in the operating room, massive blood loss, flat-liners, five days in intensive care, fluids in my lungs, one month in the hospital and sessions of chemoembolization. For all my life I had always been so healthy and strong, what had gone wrong?

My first reaction was to look for people who had gone through the same problem and learn from them, the only issue was that they were nowhere to be found. Liver cancer is quite rare in the western world, especially among young women. I never felt so alone in my life. My family had no history of cancer and just to hear the word was like I had been given a death sentence. My parents were destroyed. How could this happen to us? My grandparents, my siblings, all our friends and family were shocked and grief-stricken, but eager to help and it was right there that my recovery began. I never felt so loved. Actually I had never imagined so many people cared so much about me. My hospital room was always full of people and flowers. People took turns taking care of me and rallied around me to show their love and support. It was then too that I found my faith, which had lain dormant for so long. I felt the presence of God in every step of the way. I also developed a very strong bond with other cancer patients that until recently did not share a lot in common with me. We felt as if we were members of a special group and became very close. I found out things about me that I never knew existed. I discovered an inner-strength and a resilience that I never knew I had and was proud of it. I embarked on a tough journey that proved to be very rewarding. Little by little I healed my body and my soul.

Time went by and I carried on with my life happier than ever before. While at that hospital I vowed never to take a day for granted and have kept my promise and counted my blessings ever since. All was well. I found the man of my dreams, I had the perfect fairytale wedding and was ready of the “happily ever after” part but that would have been too easy.

Five years after my surgery I was declared “cured” and felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Life was good and I was healthy again. Until that hot December day, while I was visiting my family in Brazil for Christmas and decided to get scanned “just in case”. What started as another routine exam turned out to be the hardest day of my life. Five years later, when I was supposed to be “all clear,” the doctor spotted another tumor on my liver. What happened to “happily ever after?” What happened to the illusion that my life was going to be perfect after my struggle with cancer? Who told me the nightmare was over? I felt so stupid for believing that because of all I had been through, I had earned the right to be healthy and happy again. For some reason, I thought that after my battle with cancer I had this “get out of jail” wild card in my hands and nothing bad could ever happen to me again. But I was wrong, so wrong.

I will never forget what I felt in that cold dark hospital room. I felt as if my life was over again. I remember walking out of that room and looking at my father, my vision blurred by my tears. I can still see the look of disbelief on his face. “No, not again,” he said. “You’ll be OK.” I ran home to my husband who had been waiting for me all day. We both had tears in our eyes and hugged each other and cried out loud. We had been married for less than a year. We were planning to have our first baby and now what? My mother tried to fight her tears to no avail. None of us could believe “it” had stricken once more. We all had been down that road before but no one ever thought we would have to go through it again.

But we knew exactly what we had to do and we did it: CT scans, blood work, endless doctor’s appointments, desperate prayers. But if during my first surgery I kept much of my struggles to myself and my immediate family, this time I was decided to reach out for my family and friends and those who loved me. I knew I would need all the love and all the prayers I could get. I started writing as a way to come to terms with the latest news and was very surprised when people decided to use it to express their love and support. Since then, I became a firm believer in reaching out and opening up and telling your story. It worked miracles for me and that’s why I decided to do it again now.

My husband kept my friends up to date on my progress sending daily emails and even pictures. He also told me about all the wonderful messages people were sending my way. How much people cared about me, how much they were praying for me and sending their best wishes. I remember very vividly, when I was taken to that operating room I felt strangely calm, as if someone was guiding me all the way. At that moment I knew all our prayers had been answered and I was going to be just fine.

The surgery was long and complicated but my recovery was nothing short of a miracle. The tumor was removed after six or seven hours and in just a day or so I left the ICU. Once I got to my room, I felt home. I felt well and I kept picturing myself walking out of that hospital on my own. I would close my eyes and see myself walking out of there on my way home. I imagined what I would wear, what kind of day it was going to be and who would be there to pick me up. Just two days after checking into the room I was released. And exactly as I had imagined, I left that hospital, where it all had started more than five years ago, walking on my own and a step closer to my complete cure.

It’s been almost five months since my last surgery and life is back to normal. As unbelievable as it would seem just a few months ago, I feel that I can have dreams again. More than that, I feel empowered to know that they can and they will come true. I feel blessed and I feel loved. I feel strong and happy. And above it all, I know that I have a long road ahead. I want to use my story to show others that there is life after a cancer diagnosis and that this life can be much more fulfilling and interesting than the one we had before.

Dani Duran is a two time liver cancer survivor

FIGHTING for Desiree

2009-02-23T10:59:00.005-05:00

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. ~Harold Whitman

I am sitting in Houston, TX at MD Anderson with my dear friend Desiree who has relapsed a second time with lymphoma. The first time she fought was two years ago when I met her beautiful face. We were fast friends as we had so much in common. She has been a close friend, a fellow triathlete and my running buddy for 2 years. Desiree and I signed up for Ironman AZ this November to celebrate her victory over cancer….she will not be able to race due to the relapse. As well, she has 3 beautiful children. Ages 6,8 and 10…… I am sitting in the waiting room as she goes in to receive a 4 hour transfusion. Even though MD Anderson does a lot of things right…being in a hospital for JUST cancer patients will never feel ok to me. It makes it real, it brings it all back home.

I wanted to send word to your athletes. The injustice that cancer serves is not fair. And I am angry. I have observed since 9 AM and watched the walks of all those facing treatment, good news, bad news, new protocol….Cancer does not discriminate. Where I sit right now there are young and old, black, white & asian, upper class and lower class. Cancer doesn’t care that the economy is tanking or that we are trying to figure out a new health care system. Cancer doesn’t care if you have 3 children or hopes of having children one day. As active as it is…it has no REAL face. It carries the face of way too many people. There is no sense in who or why it chooses and that makes me angry. Nobody deserves this. As I walked around today and saw that MD Anderson has to add 600 more beds, my stomach dropped. I mean…they ONLY serve cancer patients, have an entire FLOOR for lymphoma and they need 600 more beds??? Apparently there is a waiting list, which is why I bring my friend down for one day (3 hour drive one way) because a bed overnight is not an option right now.

I have been around cancer for about 6 years now. My brother, my grandfather, myself, my Dad….many close friends and those from afar and I won’t ever get used to it. I don’t want to. For those of your athletes that might need that extra push out the door to their Finish Line in May….maybe this email will help. My friend Desiree will not be able to train or run for a long time as the road ahead of her is quite long. Will you get out of bed and do it for her? Will you get out of bed, train your asses off and hope for hospitals with empty beds?

I would love that.

Colleen

“The Six Degrees of Cancer”

2009-02-19T15:20:00.006-05:00

Cancer seems to be everywhere. Our story is the same in that regard. But what amazes us the most is the connection we have with so many people in our lives who have been effected by this epidemic. If you are familiar with “The Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon”, then you know how this story goes. To explain how we became involved with the Ulman Cancer Fund and Team Fight – we must travel back 15 years.

McCulloch Family
In 1990, Winnie McCulloch (Suzy’s mother) was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Short there after, she received a mastectomy and further treatment. Winnie’s condition improved with time and she has been in remission for the past 19 years. Despite over coming this, the McCulloch family was burdened with the news of Chuck McCulloch’s (Suzy’s father) diagnosis of Prostate Cancer in 2004. Fortunately, his diagnosis was made early and Chuck underwent sufficient treatment to remain cancer free today.

Serpico Family
In 2002, Sally Serpico (Danny’s mother) was diagnosis with Ovarian Cancer. Despite her best efforts to fight this cancer, Sally’s battle ended a few weeks before Thanksgiving in 2004. Sally is remembered by her loving husband (Dennis) and 4 children.

Bob Gross
Suzy met Bob in 1997 while taking spinning and step classes at the Columbia Association gyms. Suzy is now the instructor of spin classes that Bob takes and makes music for . Bob has been a great friend and model peer for Suzy through out the years. In 2004, Bob had a seizure in the middle of cycle class (not Suzy’s) and underwent some testing. It wasn’t long before Bob was diagnosis with a Brain Tumor. Today, Bob is undergoing constant treatment and still attends spinning classes on a regular basis.

Cynthia Roth
We all know that the rave of the spinning classes at the Columbia Association is credited to Suzy McCulloch. So when Bob Gross began taking spinning classes, Cynthia Roth (Bob’s mother) joined him on occasion. As you guessed it, Cynthia’s story is very much the same as the previous. Unfortunately, Cynthia lost her husband to Skin Cancer about 7 years ago. Upon diagnosis, he was given weeks to live and Cynthia watched her marriage end at the mercy of this disease. We can only imagine how she must have felt when she was notified that her son (Bob) was diagnosis with Brain Cancer.

Six Degrees
Now that you have the foundational information – we can begin to put the circle together. Shortly after Sally Serpico passed away, Dennis (Danny’s father) began taking spinning classes at the Columbia Association gyms. It wasn’t long before Dennis and Cynthia met each other. Having a lot in common including a traumatic loss of a spouse, they soon after began dating and have been together since then. Cynthia and Bob have become a big part of the Serpico family. One might speculate that if Suzy hadn’t met Bob in spin class…..Cynthia might not have taking spinning….and she might not have met Dennis. Furthermore, Danny and Suzy might not have met each other if Danny’s father, Dennis, had not persuaded him to take a spin class in 2006. Finally, Suzy’s mother, Winnie, had the pleasure of teaching Brock Yetso when he was in 13yrs old – thus completing our “The Six Degrees of Cancer” and connecting us to the Ulman Cancer Fund.

When Brock and Brian Satola approached us about helping out with Team Fight, we thought this to be a no-brainer. We have seen what Cancer can do and jumped at the opportunity to support this cause. It has been our pleasure to be apart of this program and encourage everyone to participate.

by Danny Serpico and Suzy McCulloch
Team Fight Trainers

Anne's Perspective on the Amgen Tour of California

2009-02-11T16:08:00.002-05:00

While I wouldn’t have chosen to join the club of cancer survivors, there are certainly perks to being a card-carrying member. What survivor hasn’t pulled out the old cancer card to get out of a traffic ticket (check), to convince your family to do something ridiculous they otherwise wouldn’t have done (check), to get out of having to do something you really didn’t want to do but have no other legitimate excuse (check), or to impress someone with your super human cancer fighting feats (check). In addition to these little perks, every now and then my cancer card gives me an opportunity of a lifetime. From February 14-23 I will be attending, for the 3rd year in a row, the Amgen Tour of California. That’s 750 miles across the state, from Sacramento to Escondido and everywhere in between. Not only will I get to experience every city along the route, but I also get to watch all of the cyclists just feet from the finish line, meet cancer survivors along the way, and travel with all of the teams full of good looking men. Nope, it never gets old.

Several years after finishing treatment for Ewing’s Sarcoma I decided to become a professional cancer advocate by joining the staff of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) and the UCF board of directors, which have both led to amazing perks. In partnership with several other leading cancer organizations, NCCS participates in the Breakaway from Cancer Initiative, which is a complementary component of Amgen’s sponsorship of the Tour of California. The initiative was created to raise awareness and funds to support valuable services and programs, provided free of charge, that help people living with cancer. Much like the cyclists working together, every survivor needs a team to go up those mountains, enjoy the view on the way down, and pull us along when we need it. As the NCCS representative, I am fortunate to staff a booth at each stage and provide people with information and resources. Oh, and did I mention I’ll be just feet from the finish line?

My first introduction to cycling came when I joined UCF’s Team Fight for the program’s kick-off season. Early in 2007 I signed up for the Iron Girl Triathlon to celebrate my 10th cancerversary and raise money for UCF. It’s no 7 Tour de France’s, but it was my first competition since I was diagnosed and my first-ever triathlon. So after I signed up I did a lot training, and by training I mean thinking about and putting off getting and riding a bike. Sure, I’d caught a little cycling on TV flipping through channels, and I lived in Austin when Lance started his amazing winning streak, but I didn’t quite understand all those cycling enthusiasts. Spandex? Really? When I got to my first Tour of California in February 2007 I finally understood what the buzz was all about, though I renewed my personal resolution to avoid spandex.

First of all, who knew cycling was a team sport? I had no clue how much each teammate was helping the leader. Nor did I ever think about what happens when cyclists have to go to the bathroom or eat. Or how they fix problems with their bikes. Or what they do each night after the competition (massages). While my first Iron Girl Triathlon did not involve any bathroom breaks, moving lunch bag grabs, or bike malfunctions, I like to pretend my race was just like the Tour, except even harder because I did 2 additional sports. I had fans and my teammates cheering me on (gotta love the race bibs with your name), I got a medal when I was done, and people kept asking me if I’d won – and I kept saying I did. Exactly the same.

This year the Tour should be even more exciting, especially since Lance will be riding for the first time. Things will be crazy: we will GET IT ON LIKE DONKEY KONG; there will be PANDEMONIUM IN THE STREETS OF SANTA ROSA; and the cowbells will be deafening when there’s ONE TO GO ONE TO GO ONE TO GO ONE TO GO ONE TO GO! I leave for my 10-day cycling extravaganza on Friday and can’t wait. Stay tuned for some updates from the road – I’ll make sure to take pictures from, yup, the finish line. And maybe I can get another one with McDreamy like this one from 2007.

Anne
UCF Board Member

Join Joel in the Fight!

2009-02-11T09:46:00.000-05:00

I was introduced to the Ulman Cancer Fund last year after my wife participated in the Aflac Iron Girl Las Vegas Triathlon. On February 26th, just two days after our 12th wedding anniversary, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer and learned more about UCF after the event. Upon returning home, she began 6 weeks of radiation therapy, rather than undergoing a hysterectomy. This allowed her to continue to train and even post a 6:10 in the Florida 70.3 at Disney in early May. To me, this was simply amazing. I had trained for months and pulled out a 5:50, and I didn’t have as much as a sniffle.

Over Memorial Day weekend, she spent 3 days sequestered in a hospital room for a healthy dose of localized radiation. That was a pretty miserable experience for her and I could see her for no more than 15 minutes per day. However, the session went well and she’s been in remission ever since.

It’s almost a year later and she’s competed in numerous events, including a few half marathons and the New York City Marathon last November. Now, in just 10 weeks, she’ll compete in her first Boston Marathon.

Later this year (09/09/09), I’ll turn 40 and as many people do when they get older, they do something crazy. I plan to run 40 miles . . . in one day. Along the way, I’d like to join Team Fight to raise awareness and money for The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults as a way to say thanks, and to ensure UCF is there for us or others in the future. I’ve already got interest from many friends to run with me and to contribute to my selected charities. I believe that helping others is an important part of who we are.

For more information on the event, to be held in the Tampa Bay area on September, please visit www.4040run.com. At the site, you can sign up to run, to provide run day support and to make a contribution to UCF.

Thanks,
Joel

Why Liz Fights-

2009-02-02T14:08:00.023-05:00

I am 39 years old and I have breast cancer. I am five months into my battle, and I have been changed for the better.

I am the mother of four wonderful children, ages 9, 8, 4 and 3. My husband, Marc, is my best friend, my cheerleader, my love. Sadly, my story may not be unique, since breast cancer affects so many women. But, sharing my thoughts and experiences with others helps me to gain strength in fighting this terrible disease. Maybe I can in some way inspire those who are fighting this alongside me.
I am learning that the diagnosis of breast cancer enters you into a very special sisterhood — one that I may not have volunteered to join, but one that I am learning to look at as a gift. I am new to this disease, but I am a warrior, a fighter, ready to win the battle! My life has changed so much over the past five months, but I have to say, I am thankful for my family, my friends and the strength that God has given me. I want to make this horrible experience a positive one, and I am determined to see the good in this journey. I am ready to go and kick some breast-cancer ass!

I would like to think that I am an educated woman, especially in the area of women's health. My father is an ob/gyn, and my mother is a registered nurse. Together, they ran a family-style medical practice, taking care of women in West Palm Beach for more than 30 years.
My parents' love of medicine and obstetrics definitely rubbed off on me. After working in the labor and delivery unit as a registered nurse for many years, I returned to school and became an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, specializing in women's health. I provided obstetrical and gynecological care in a private physician's office, and became quite familiar with the breast exam. Even after I "retired" to stay home and take care of our four kids, I religiously did my own self-breast exams once a month.

It was during one of these exams in the shower that I felt a large, hard lump in my left breast. The lump felt about the size of a walnut. When I looked at it in the mirror, I was shocked. I could see it creating a bump over my nipple. How could I have not noticed this sooner? I reassured myself that it must be a fluid-filled cyst. Surely, a mass this large was fluid-filled.
I didn't panic because I remembered that many breast cancer tumors are pea-sized, hard lumps found near the arm pit area. Unable to get an appointment to have my lump evaluated for over a week, I called my brother-in-law, Bill McGarry, an oncologist. He suggested I come to Vero Beach (where he practices) for a mammogram.

I'm sure he never thought the following day he would have to tell me I had cancer.
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 invasive carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ in both breasts. My tumors range in size from 2 cm to almost 5 cm. These are large, aggressive, fast-growing tumors.

I had a PET scan to determine if the cancer had spread to other parts of my body. My husband and I had been prepared for the worst news. I had an enlarged lymph node in my armpit, and so I knew there was a good chance that the cancer was outside of my breasts.

The night before my PET scan, I woke up at 3:30 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep. I started a journal. As I wrote my feelings down, I paused to pray. As a practicing Catholic, I have always had prayer in my life. But I felt unsure about how I was supposed to pray. I didn't want to question God's plan for me, but I also didn't want to ask for a miracle. For the first time in my life, I didn't know how to talk to God.

After a long while, I felt a sense of acceptance, and peace. God had done the speaking for me.
A few days after my PET scan, my brother-in-law called with the most positive news I had heard in the previous four days: My cancer had not spread beyond my breasts.

This is when I allowed myself to completely open up and cry. I was not going to leave my babies anytime soon! I told myself all those things you hear people say when they are given a second chance: "I am going to live my life in a new, improved way!" and "I promise to be a better person."

But I mean it! Life to me now is new, and I view things in such a different way. The whining of my 3-year-old son doesn't irritate me anymore, I am thrilled to get my daughter another pencil after she has broken three, I actually enjoy helping my son with his homework and the way my husband clears his throat when he falls asleep doesn't irritate me anymore! All those trivial things I used to worry about are just ... trivial! In a way, this diagnosis has been a gift.
Since my tumors were too large to perform a mastectomy immediately, I am receiving chemotherapy for six months in order to shrink them. December was a rough month for me. I was hospitalized for five days with a fever and low white-blood-cell count. Thankfully, I was sent home before Christmas, and I was able to enjoy my time at home.

In March, I'll have a double mastectomy, followed by radiation. I'll have reconstructive surgery six months to a year after the radiation.

Since my maternal grandmother had breast cancer in her late 70s, and two of my cousins in their 40s were diagnosed with breast cancer, I had the BRCA (breast cancer gene) test done. My results were negative, so I can't help but ask 'Why me?' Maybe someday I will fully understand why.

So, here I am, battling these cells which would like to take over my body. No way! I am not going to fight lying down! I now have chemotherapy infusions every three weeks, which generally puts me in bed for 7-10 days. But on the good days, I am jogging or still trying to hit a tennis ball or at the park with the kids. I am pushing myself to look into the future. I am trying to laugh as my hair sheds on the couch, and as my eyelashes land on my cheeks. I am teaching my children that no matter what you are faced with, there is good in every situation.

Some days I find it hard to stay as upbeat as I was a few months ago, but all I have to do is look at my four children and husband, and I am immediately inspired to snap out of it. So, I am trying to continue my fight looking ahead, looking on the bright side and looking forward to the day that I can say, "I am cured."

I have already seen the good that has come from my diagnosis of breast cancer. Strangers sending e-mails and well-wishes, friends going to church after years away from God, reconnecting with extended family members, sharing a smile with other cancer patients in the chemo room. These are the little things that I appreciate now. And to me, these are all gifts.

Liz Yavinsky

Progress: LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance Update

2009-01-30T08:44:00.006-05:00

I spent my entire day yesterday (8:30 am – 5 pm) sitting in a conference room talking about cancer. Some could assume this isn't your ideal day and might be your stereotypical long drawn out board room meeting that had much to be desired. To me, it was nothing of the sorts!

I was surrounded by 20+ friends and partners for our quarterly face-to-face meeting of the LIVESTRONG YOUNG ADULT ALLIANCE. It was informative, inspiring, enlightening and motivating. Surrounded by some of the top oncology professionals, researchers and fellow patient advocates in the country, it’s incredible to see the progress that has been made in the world of adolescent and young adult oncology.

Don’t get me wrong, we have a long way to go, but for today we can say we’re on the right track and most importantly, working together – Medical Professionals, Researchers, Government Agencies, Patient Advocacy Groups and Medical Institutions. The Alliance is a coalition of 70+ other organizations that weren't at the meeting but are doing the important work needed day in and day out to support young adults fighting cancer.

Also special about this meeting was we were just down the street from the National Cancer Institute and we had several of their key staff attend the meeting to report on progress they’re making in implementing the recommendations outlined in the AYAO Progress Review Group.

A couple exciting resources I learned about yesterday:

LIVESTRONG has launched a portal of young adult specific resources

LIVESTRONG hosts young adult podcasts

National Cancer Institute has a toll-free # and LiveHelp on-line chat service free to all cancer patients: 1-800-4-CANCER and LiveHelp On-line Chat

Learn more about the work of the LIVESTRONG YOUNG ADULT ALLIANCE and our work to implement the AYAO PRG

LIVESTRONG!

Brock Yetso
Executive Director

Nancy's Cancer Journey

2009-01-29T16:36:00.004-05:00

Cancer is the best thing that has ever happened to me, in a weird way, that is... Just after my 30th birthday, the last thing I would suspect would be Cancer! Let alone, it was in my Brain! What!?! I learned a great deal through my journey dealing with my diagnosis of a Grade III, Anaplastic Astrocytoma in the right frontal lobe of my brain.

After my craniotomy, it took a few days before I was able to move my left side. The tumor was located in the area of the brain that controlled mobility, decision making, personality, etc... First, I was able to move my left leg and then soon my left arm came back. I had trouble thinking of words to say. I knew what I wanted to say but I had a hard time retrieving the word. I went through intense rehab to learn how to do daily activities like thinking, walking, bathing, etc.. It was so frustrating because I knew how to do it but my brain wouldn't send the message to the parts of my body to allow me to do such a simple act of opening and closing my left hand. When I saw the progress of how much I was improving, it made me stronger and to want to keep fighting!

Soon after I gained strength back, the next phase of my journey was treatment; so this stuff never comes back and I can continue to enjoy a full and happy life! I endured 6 1/2 weeks of radiation in conjunction with chemo by pill. My father and I would take the hour long trip to get my "spa treatments" at the hospital and the hour long trip back home. During this time I thought, it was a good way for my dad and I to spend quality time together. It's not ideal, but you make the best of what you got!

Last Day of Radiation!

The final phase is 6 rounds of oral chemo. I'll be finished right around my year anniversary of when I was diagnosed. In a year I have learned so much about myself and about life. I always thought I'm the lucky one. I'm so glad this happened to me! The lessons I learned through this journey are priceless! My life is now so much richer in so many ways!

My family and friends were a great support but I needed more. During treatment, I felt alone. I'm so glad that I found UCF! I wanted to talk to others around my age that were going through similar situations that I was going through. It really helped me cope with my diagnosis, telling my story out loud to complete strangers. I have met such helpful people and listened to inspiring stories through this organization. All the people I have met through UCF I feel like I have a connection with...and I do, Cancer, that's a good thing!

Nancy Arthur
Brain Cancer Survivor

People, Passion & Mission

2009-01-23T15:29:00.004-05:00

“The number-one resource for a great social sector organization is having enough of the right people willing to commit themselves to mission. The right people can often attract money, but money by itself can never attract the right people. Money is a commodity; talent is not. Time and talent can often compensate for lack of money; but money cannot ever compensate for lack of the right people.”

Jim Collins
Good to Great and the Social Sectors

Teamwork, collaboration, partnership, working together – these are terms often thrown around in offices and locker rooms as the keys to success. While I agree these are all very important and critical to accomplishing great things in this world, I believe there is little bit more to it - please indulge me for a minute.

As Jim Collins, author of Good to Great and the Social Sectors says it best, it’s about “having enough of the right people willing to commit themselves to mission.”

I’ve had a couple experiences this past week that have supported my belief and Collins statement. Equally important to the often cliché mantras mentioned above are the people and their stories that lie behind the formal collaboration or partnership. No where did I witness this more than through the work of our own organization this past week. We held the kick-off event for our 2009 Team Fight season. For all intensive purposes, this was a group of strangers coming together as part of a team to train hard and raise money and awareness to support the fight against cancer. The kick-off had over 100 people in attendance, several community partners and inspiring talks from several UCF ambassadors. Individuals, community partners, bike shops, running shops and more – all putting their personal agendas aside to support something greater than all of us – quality people doing important work. By the end of the season, they will all be a closely knit team that is working together and collaborating effectively – but what makes them so special right now is they are generous people with big hearts committed to a common mission.

The next day I further witnessed my belief by spending the day with a close friend and UCF partner, Jonny Imerman. As Jonny mentioned in his recent blog entry, we spent the day visiting patients and families at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center where we run a Young Adult Navigator Program. Chaperoned by our Young Adult Patient Navigator, Elizabeth Saylor, the three of us spent quality time with patients and the medical staff sharing information, stories and ideas on how to improve the experiences of young adult patients being treated there. The UCF and Imerman do have a formal partnership, but it's the passion and energy behind people like Jonny that make it so special.

On the heels of our new President asking everyone to take individual responsibility for re-building this country and preaching hope, virtue, values and accountability and in wrapping up what has been a special week for me and our organization, I thank everyone for sharing their time, energy and stories with the UCF and encourage more people to get involved. During a time of never before seen economic challenges for many non-profits and all of our country, finding great people to commit their time, energy and hearts to a mission is critical. As Collins would say, “money cannot ever compensate for lack of the right people.”

Brock Yetso
UCF, Executive Director