Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer Invites Runners to Participate with Them in the Chicago Half Marathon

CHICAGO, Aug. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) is excited to have a team in this year's Chicago Half Marathon on Sunday, September 7, 2014, beginning at 7 a.m. in Jackson Park.  The "Dream Team" runners receive a DDF race shirt which helps the organization raise awareness about gastric cancer.  Runners also raise funds from friends and family to support their extraordinary efforts of undertaking such a physical challenge for those who no longer have a voice.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140827/140608

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140827/140609

Linda Grush, the moving force behind the DDF Dream Team, is the DDF Illinois Chapter President who lost her husband Eric to stomach cancer.  Eric Grush was an attorney who was diagnosed in 2010 with Stage IV stomach cancer when he was only 38 years old.  Two years after he was diagnosed, Eric established the Illinois chapter of DDF.  After undergoing chemotherapy, surgery to remove most of his stomach and esophagus, more chemo, and then two separate clinical trials, Eric passed away on July 26, 2013 at the age of 40.  Linda has now taken over his fight.  A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, freelance writer and full-time mom to Ella and Adam, Linda is committed to continuing Eric's mission of assisting stomach cancer patients and advocating for further research to combat and cure this disease.

"Whether they chose to participate or donate, we are so thankful for everyone's support of our team in the Chicago Half Marathon," said Grush.  "It will be a great event and we can't wait to cheer on the participants who are showing their support for stomach cancer," said Linda Grush.  Linda knows how devastating stomach cancer can be and is committed to improving lives and outcomes.

Debbie Zelman founded DDF in 2009 one year after being diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer. Debbie's Dream Foundation seeks as its ultimate goal to bring attention and action to this important cause. The organization encourages people to spread the word about early detection and screening because if a patient is diagnosed with stomach cancer at an early stage, the chances of being cured dramatically increase.

"Raising awareness about gastric cancer is vital especially now that we see that it is on the rise in young people ages 25-39," said Debbie Zelman, the President and Founder of Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer.  "Funding research is equally as vital.  The race participants raise awareness and help to fund critical research through their fundraising.  We are very proud of their efforts," continued Zelman.

To join the DDF Dream Team, register at http://www.chicagohalfmarathon.com/ and select "Half Marathon." When filling out the form, enter the following code in the coupon box and click redeem:  DEBBIED14.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available on the DDF website at http://www.debbiesdream.org/portal/chicago-half-marathon.  For more information, to get involved, register as a runner, or be a sponsor, please contact (954) 475-1200 or email us at [email protected].

About Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer:

Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer; advancing funding for research; and providing education and support internationally to patients, families, and caregivers. DDF seeks as its ultimate goal to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality. DDF was the first stomach cancer organization and now has 20 Chapters in the US and Canada, helps patients worldwide through a free Patient Resource Education Program (PREP) and Mentor Program; hosts free education events internationally; has a world renowned Medical Advisory Board; thousands of supporters and volunteers; advocates for increased federal funding for stomach cancer research; and directly funds research. For more information about DDF, visit www.DebbiesDream.org.

Media Contact: 
Jenna Reed 
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer 
(954) 475-1200, Email 

SOURCE Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer