4K for Cancer Team Seattle bicycles into Moclips

By Jenifer Antonelli
Published: 08/02/19 Topics: Comments: 0

Ulman Foundation’s cross-country charity bike ride, the 4K for Cancer, has sent two teams of young adults on a 70-day journey cycling across the continental United States. These bicyclists raise money and awareness for young adults impact by cancer.

For the fifth consecutive year, Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) will host the 28 bicyclists of Team Seattle. "We look forward to welcoming this year's group to the North Beach and Chapel by the Sea," Lee Marriott, church elder said.

Team Seattle began their trip Sunday, June 2, 2019 in Baltimore, MD. As they make their way across the country, the Seattle team will each cycle over 4,000+ miles to finish their journey in Seattle, WA Saturday, August 10, 2019.

They experience the diverse landscape as they cross from Maryland to Washington. Team and individual blogs have brought us a rider's view of the journey. According to Jacob King of Team Seattle "North Dakota is a monotonous beauty, punctuated by rolling hills and royal blue lakes, sights not to be missed despite being off the beaten path."

The bicyclists reach Grays Harbor and the North Beach Wednesday, August 7, departing Forks in the morning. Each year, more individuals and businesses have grown in support. "We're reaching out to other Presbyterian (PCUSA) and other churches, area businesses, media and people to host, support and do what we may to keep the group safe as they travel through our area," Cynthia Stearns, church elder said.

Along the way, the riders stay with host communities that provide a floor to sleep on and, on many days, a warm dinner. Hosts are often churches, firehouses, schools or recreation centers. On running days, participants bike between 50 and 120 miles each. On rest days they volunteer in local hospitals, hospitality houses, and other local non-profits. Each team will also give two scholarships to young adults affected by cancer. Team Seattle awarded one in Spokane, WA.

Departing from Maryland, Team Seattle bicycled into Pennsylvania. Second Presbyterian Church in Perrysburg, OH made an impact on one of the riders.

"Pastor Margret from the Presbyterian church was super nice (as all of the hosts have been). Learned that she did a cross country bike trip herself for Habitat for Humanity which is part of the reason she loves to host us each year. However, the most memorable person that I met was Bob. He is a member of the congregation but also an avid cyclist with his wife as well. He told me stories of his cross country bike trips as well as his bike trips in Europe (added something to my bucket list there). It was nice hearing about people’s generosity though his experiences and I can say the same through my experience so far," Brandon Hayes of Team Seattle said.

Ulman Foundation enables these groups of college students to undertake cross-country cycling and running journeys through the United States with the goal of offering hope, inspiration and support to more than 200 communities along the way. There are two cycling teams and two running teams. In 2018, the 4K teams raised over $900,000 In 2019, Team Seattle has a team goal of $160,000.

Since its inception in 1997, Ulman has worked tirelessly at both the community level and with national partners to raise awareness of the young adult cancer issue and to ensure all young adults and families impacted by cancer have a voice and the resources necessary to thrive.

"We headed to our service event at the Gilda’s Club in downtown Chicago. They are a national organization that creates a community of free emotional support, cancer education, and hope for children and adults with any cancer diagnosis and those who care for them. We toured their 4-story location that was sold/donated to them for just $1 back in 1999, help hand out promotional flyers, and ate lunch with them and some of their community members," Team Seattle 2019 member Caroline Jaeger said.

Ulman is able to provide multiple support services and resources for the young adult cancer community, including:

Cancer to 5K - a free, progressive, 12-week run/walk program designed to reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity.

Patient Navigation - a free program (onsite at hospitals and remote) that ensures no young adult ever faces cancer alone. We provide one-on-one personal support and resources to young adult cancer patients and their families.

Scholarships - a financial assistance program to help young adults continues their education after being affected by cancer through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one.

Ulman House - a “home away from home” to provide free housing for young adult cancer patients, and their caregivers, in East Baltimore.

Chapel by the Sea looks forward to welcoming Team Seattle Wednesday, August 7. This #tinybutmighty church and the North Beach has become a stop Team Seattle looks forward to as they end their journey.

"The team absolutely loves staying with your community, and we very much appreciate your generosity. I was on Team Seattle in 2017 and I remember staying at your church and the delicious pizza truck! It was surely a highlight of the trip," Parker Gray 4K for Cancer Program coordinator said.

Everyone is welcome to join Team Seattle for dinner and conversation at a Meet & Greet 5-9 pm, Wednesday, August 7 at Chapel by the Sea. Thursday, August 8, the team forms a dedication circle before heading out to the next part of the journey and overnight in Shelton.

The final night is on Bainbridge Island and Team Seattle 2019 is scheduled to arrive via ferry into Seattle Saturday, August 10 to complete this year's 4,000+ mile odyssey.

Chapel by the Sea is at 4612 SR 109, border of Moclips and Pacific Beach. For more information, please call 360.276.8143 and the church's pastor-in-residence, the Reverend Dr. Linda Flatley.

Please visit https://ulmanfoundation.org/ and www.4kforcancer.org to learn more about the 4K For Cancer and other programs offered by Ulman Foundation.

Author: Jenifer Antonelli
Blog #: 0678 – 08/02/19