Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer Launches the 2025 Youth Art Contest: Inspiring Creativity Through Art

DDF uses creative expression to empower the next generation of patient advocates.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) is excited to announce the return of the 2025 Youth Art Contest. This annual initiative encourages young artists, ages 18 and younger, to channel their creativity while raising awareness about stomach cancer. It's a cause passionately championed by DDF's late Founder, Debbie Zelman, who passed away from stage IV stomach cancer in 2017 following a nearly decade-long battle with the disease.

From September 2 through October 30, 2025, DDF invites youth artists and photographers to submit their original works for a chance to be featured in DDF's line of blank greeting cards. These cards will serve as a source of encouragement for patients, survivors, and caregivers while supporting DDF's mission to find a cure for stomach cancer through research, education, and support initiatives.

"Engaging young artists in this way not only fosters creativity but also builds awareness about stomach cancer among future generations," said Michael Ehren, President of the Board of Directors at DDF. "We are proud to see young people channel their talents into something that uplifts patients, families, and caregivers worldwide."

Participants are encouraged to explore various artistic mediums, including traditional, digital, and photographic works, that capture the theme of strength, resilience, and a world free from stomach cancer. Winning entries will be featured on DDF's greeting cards, accompanied by a short artist biography and photo. Contest winners will also receive cash prizes, including a $200 Grand Prize and $100 prizes for selected Art/Photo winners. All submissions, as digital scans, should be emailed to  [email protected] by October 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Detailed guidelines and more information can be found at https://debbiesdream.org/shr-scholarship.

About Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer
DDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about gastric cancer, advancing research funding, and providing international education and support to patients, families, and caregivers. DDF's ultimate goal is 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 gastric cancer in 2008 and given only weeks to live. Debbie is considered a pioneer by many for bringing awareness to the plight of stomach cancer patients worldwide, as well as to the lack of federal funding for stomach cancer research. She did all of this while receiving hundreds of rounds of chemo and daily oral treatments. Debbie passed away on December 23, 2017, at 50, almost a decade later. As a result of her leadership, DDF now has a Scientific and Medical Advisory Board of world-renowned doctors and chapters throughout the United States, and in Canada, Germany, and Japan. DDF strives to continue Debbie's mission to make her dream a reality. To learn more, visit www.DebbiesDream.org.

Media Contact:
Brittnay Starks,
Communications Director
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (954) 475-1200
[email protected]
www.DebbiesDream.org

SOURCE Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer