Wednesday, March 11, 2009

11, the event





This week I had the pleasure of getting out to an event by the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults with a couple of girlfriends who are also cancer survivors. One of the featured guests was hgtv host Vern Yip from deserving design- we got to meet him, but it was funny- we were having our picture taken with him, and he didn't even engage in conversation..... oh well, he must have been tired or something...... We got to watch an advanced screening of his show that he did for a scholarship recipient of the UCF- so that was a lot of fun.

Perhaps the most exciting part was meeting Doug Ulman, the founder of UCF. He started this foundation 11 years ago at the age of 19 when he was diagonosed with cancer and had no where to go for support. He was too old for pediatrics, but WAY younger than the patients in his clinic. I felt the same way during my treatments. Everyone always thought my mom was the patient (as if my bald head didn't give it away....) when we went to appointments. Anyway, we got to chat with Doug for quite a while, and it was pretty awesome. And it wasn't until after that I made the connection that Doug is now the president/CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation..... wow!
I'm looking forward to getting more involved with the Ulman Cancer Fund. They have LOTS of running events that I will not be taking part of! But it has been my desire for a while to become a mentor/supporter of young adults who are going through cancer treatment, so this will open some good doors! And it's my long term goal to go back to school at some point and get a degree in counseling to be able to work professionally with young adult cancer patients.

It's funny, I can look back at my cancer experience and find SO many positives that have come out of it. I am truly thankful for it. :)






2 comments:

LoveLladro said...

It's really all about perspective! I love your attitude and outlook on life! How cool that you got to meet Doug Ulman! My dad is doing the 100 mile Livestrong bike ride in CA (if the ankle heals in time ;~)

Kim said...

Oh my gosh, I love Vern! Sad he didn't talk to you ladies though. He seems like such a nice guy!