Ulman Foundation Announces $10 Million “Beyond Cancer” Capital Campaign to Transform Care for Young Adults with Cancer

BALTIMORE, MD (October 2025) – Ulman Foundation has publicly launched its boldest philanthropic effort to date—Beyond Cancer: Every Patient. Every Journey. Every Step.—a $10 million capital campaign to transform the landscape of care and support for adolescents and young adults (AYA) impacted by cancer.

Since the campaign’s private launch earlier this year, Ulman Foundation has built remarkable momentum, raising more than $4.4 million in early commitments thanks to the generous leadership of donors, board members, and community champions.

“This campaign is about transformation,” said Brock Yetso, President & CEO of Ulman Foundation. “It’s about reimagining how young people experience cancer—not just by addressing treatment, but by meeting their emotional, nutritional, logistical, and social needs every step of the way. We are building a future where no young adult faces cancer alone.”

The DeCesaris Family, whose foundation committed a lead gift of $1,000,000, emphasized the importance of investing in a vision that meets the complex needs of young cancer patients and their families.

“Our family is proud to help launch this campaign and honor the legacy of Geaton A. DeCesaris, Jr.. Ulman’s work ensures that every young person facing cancer receives not just treatment, but the compassion, care, and community they deserve,” said the family.

Arsh Mirmiran, Partner at Caves Valley Partners and member of the Beyond Cancer Campaign Cabinet, echoed this commitment to impact and innovation. “Ulman Foundation has always been at the forefront of addressing the gaps in care for young adults with cancer. Beyond Cancer is a bold step toward building sustainable solutions, and we are honored to stand with Ulman in creating a stronger future for patients and families,” said Mirmiran.

Since its launch in October 2024, the Beyond Cancer Campaign has:

• Raised more than $4.4 million, including a $1 million lead gift from The Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Family Foundation Inc. and transformational $500,000 gifts from The Kahlert Foundation and Bob & Eveline Roberts.
• Achieved 100% participation from Ulman’s Board of Directors and staff, signaling deep institutional commitment and momentum.
• Launched the Campaign Cabinet, inclusive of Arsh Mirmiran, Ken Ulman, Doug Ulman, and other local business and community leaders driving engagement, advocacy, and outreach in the next phase.
• Begun the expansion of Ulman House, creating the physical space to grow Ulman’s service offerings to include behavioral health, nutrition, and community-based wellness programs.

The campaign aims to strengthen every aspect of Ulman Foundation’s mission—from increasing patient navigation capacity and expanding free housing for cancer patients, to establishing sustainable support systems for mental health, nutrition, and community care.

“Our progress is a testament to the courage and conviction of this community,” said Yetso. “Together, we’re building more than programs—we’re building a legacy of compassion, connection, and care.”

Individuals, families, and organizations can get involved in the campaign by making a pledge, offering a planned gift, volunteering as campaign ambassadors, or sponsoring campaign initiatives.

To learn more, visit: ulmanfoundation.org/beyondcancer.

About Ulman Foundation

Since 1997, the Ulman Foundation has been creating community for adolescents and young adults impacted by cancer, allowing them and their loved ones a safe space to learn, grieve, wonder, rage, rejoice, and hope – together with peers who truly understand. The growth of this community over the past 25 years has been made possible by the generosity of countless volunteers, corporate and foundation partners, and donors.

However you choose to celebrate, advocate, or innovate with us this year, we want you to know just how much we, the Ulman family, our board and staff team, and innumerable AYAs who have benefited from this community over the past 26 years appreciate you.

As we’ve been saying for the past 26 years and will say for 26 more:

Cancer changes lives…so do you!

Media Contact:

Grace Caltrider
Chief Operating Officer, Ulman Foundation
[email protected] | (443) 797-2942