My Personal Connection: Back when I was just 19 years old, I received a life-altering diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Cancer became an unwelcome companion during my Junior year of college, navigating my self-discovery, roommates, boyfriends, career path and mental health. It's a battle that doesn't end when treatment does; it lingers in the physical, emotional, social, financial, and long-term aspects of life. That's why I'm still talking about it 28 years later, and that's why I'm running this marathon. The Bigger Picture: I want to highlight a sobering statistic: every year, 90,000 adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15-39 in the US alone receive a cancer diagnosis. These individuals face a unique set of challenges during a pivotal coming-of-age period. Their lives are disrupted in ways that few can truly comprehend unless they've walked a similar path. Why Stupid Cancer Matters: Stupid Cancer, a remarkable organization, steps in to provide vital support to young adults and adolescents dealing with cancer. They offer a lifeline that includes age-appropriate resources, emotional support, and the opportunity to connect with others facing similar struggles. But to keep doing this essential work, they need our help. My Fundraising Goal: I've set a fundraising target of $5,000 for Stupid Cancer, and here's where you come in. How Your Donation Helps: Your donation will make a profound impact on Stupid Cancer's mission, and here's how: 1. Legislation & Advocacy: Your support will help push for legislation that improves cancer treatment, research funding, and insurance coverage, ensuring that young adults get the care they deserve. 2. Access to Care: We will work towards breaking down barriers to care and making sure that young cancer patients have access to the best treatments available. 3. Empowering Patients: Your contribution will aid in addressing biases that young patients often face in medical settings and educate employers on how to support employees dealing with cancer. 4. Information Sharing: We will create information hubs for sharing vital data on clinical trials and treatment options, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health Join Me in Making a Difference: With your generous support, young people facing cancer won't have to navigate this daunting journey alone. Together, we can be there for them from the moment they hear those terrifying words, "you have cancer." Let's make a lasting impact on their lives and on the fight against cancer. Donating is easy! Just click on the DONATE button.