Debbie's Dream Foundation Raised Over $18,000 by Completing the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon

MIAMI, March 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) raised over $18,000 in the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. With 85 marathon and half marathon runners, the Dream Team doubled the number of runners from the previous year and celebrated the fifth year running in the race on Sunday, January 25, 2015.

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Runners were able to choose to run for a variety of charities and raise thousands of dollars each year through the marathon. Joining the DDF Dream Team, however, is very special because Dream Team members received many complimentary benefits including a race shirt, marathon training tips, race packet pick-up, and food, drinks, and massages at the event tent. Participants and their friends and family, along with sponsors, supporters and donors were also invited to attend a free Dream Team Kick-Off Party on January 23, 2015.

The majority of the proceeds raised will be used to support the Patient Resource Education Program (PREP), which provides a free service that connects new patients and families with a mentor so that they can more easily navigate their experience with stomach cancer. This program helps them understand the diagnosis, treatment options, results of current clinical trials, and side effect management. The program also provides information about the leading stomach cancer doctors so that patients can access the best care available.

"This was a great opportunity to meet new teammates and mingle with existing teammates," said Mary-Margaret Killmeyer, Marathon Co-Chair. "Most of us have participated all four years; it's always great seeing new faces and hearing new stories!" Race packets and team shirts were distributed at the Kick-Off.  

"It is a terrific feeling to be co-chairing an event that promotes the health and wellness of its participants.  We help others get healthy while getting healthy ourselves," said Marathon Co-Chair Kim Maresh.  "The challenge I face to complete a marathon pales in comparison to the challenge of patients battling this disease.  I am inspired to keep going because of the determination and drive exhibited by DDF's President and Founder Debbie Zelman.  She doesn't give up and neither will I."

"Events like these have helped Debbie's Dream Foundation become the leading organization for stomach cancer in under six years of existence, which allows us to help stomach cancer patients all over the world," said Zelman.

Those interested in getting involved with Debbie's Dream Foundation or for more information about other events should go to www.DebbiesDream.org or contact the Debbie's Dream Foundation office at 954-475-1200 or Email.

About Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer:

Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer 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. 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 24 chapters in the US, Canada, and Germany with thousands of supporters and volunteers. DDF helps patients worldwide through a free Patient Resource Education Program (PREP), a Clinical Trials Matching Service, and a Support Community. DDF has a world renowned Medical Advisory Board, hosts free education events internationally, 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
(954) 475-1200 or Email

SOURCE Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer