How We Got Started

At age 19, Doug Ulman was a sophomore at Brown University, a healthy, active, college student and Division I soccer player, in the prime of his life. One event would change his life forever. During a routine jog, he began having problems breathing, something that was not unusual since he had suffered from asthma as a child. But this was different.

Flat on his back, sliding through a CAT scanner, Doug Ulman could see the technician out of the corner of his eye, pointing to something on a computer screen. The realization came quickly – something was wrong. It turned out that a growth the size of two golf balls was wedged in the space between his spine, ribs, and lungs. And instantly, cancer changed the course of his life.

Frustrated by the lack of support programs or literature directed at the needs of young adults affected by cancer, Doug and his family created The Ulman Cancer Fund For Young Adults (UCF) to fill the void that exists in health care services. Since 1997, the UCF has been working to provide young adults and their families with a unique and comprehensive system of support. Its mission is to provide support programs, education and resources, free of charge, to benefit young adults, their families and friends, who are affected by cancer, and to promote awareness and prevention of cancer.

Since inception in 1997, we have grown to become one of the leading voices in the young adult cancer community. Visit Services and Education for a complete listing of the support programs we offer.

Hello!

My name is Marcia Kunkel and as a survivor, I know first hand the issues that young adults have to deal with when battling with cancer.

When I was first diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in 2001, I contacted the UCF’s support network and was matched with a young woman who was also fighting leukemia. Because of the friendship that was fashioned, coping with my cancer became a little bit easier.  In 2004 I had a successful bone marrow transplant at the University of Maryland Medical Center.  I am thrilled to say that I am cancer free!

The issues that young adults have to face can be extremely difficult, and being able to discuss the problems that occur with someone who knows what you are going through is a tremendous comfort.

Please consider joining SLON or send an email to learn more.

- Marcia