FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) is proud to announce its Inaugural Youth Leadership Council (YLC) Essay Contest winners. Jeremiah Jantzen, age 10, from Las Vegas, Nevada won $100 in the Elementary School division with his heartwarming essay on his hopes and dreams for future stomach cancer patients. Sophie Gottfried, age 18, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin won $700 in the High School division with her compelling essay on how the government should change the way it funds stomach cancer research and why that is important.

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The YLC Essay contest was introduced by DDF's Youth Leadership Council and spearheaded by Rachel and Zachary Guttman, Co-Presidents of the YLC. It was open to children around the world, ages 5 to 18, and consisted of three categories: Elementary, Middle, and High School. Each category had a different essay prompt which ranged with questions regarding dreams, thoughts, and financial resources for curing stomach cancer. Submissions were accepted from January to March 2016. The essays were judged by DDF's panel of celebrity judges including Cindy Goodman, Miami-Herald Columnist and The Work Life Balancing Act Journalist; Marc Kudisch, Broadway Actor and three-time Tony Award Nominee; Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times bestselling author; and Lisa Petrillo, CBS 4 Entertainment Reporter.

"I was so inspired by each and every one of the children who submitted an essay and amazed by how involved kids today are in the fight against stomach cancer," said Debbie Zelman, President and Founder of Debbie's Dream Foundation. "Unfortunately, they know about this deadly disease as it has affected them in some way, but I'm hopeful a cure will be found in their lifetime."

About Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support internationally to patients, families, and caregivers. Debbie's Dream Foundation seeks as its ultimate goal to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality.

DDF was founded in 2009 by Debbie Zelman after she was diagnosed with stage IV incurable stomach cancer in 2008 and given only weeks to live. DDF now has chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Germany and a Medical Advisory Board of world renowned doctors. Considered a "Super Survivor," Debbie is still receiving chemotherapy eight years later and is thrilled to be able to watch her three children grow up. To learn more about DDF, please visit us at www.DebbiesDream.org.

Media Contact:
Adriana Bates
Communications Coordinator
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer
(954) 475-1200
Email
www.DebbiesDream.org

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SOURCE Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer

Related Links

http://www.DebbiesDream.org