Debbie's Dream Foundation Set to Continue Its Broward County Community Outreach Initiative to Serve Stomach Cancer Patients, Caregivers and Families

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) announces the continuation of its Broward County Community Outreach Initiative (BCCOI). The initiative helps to raise awareness and provide resources and information about stomach cancer to healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers and families. It began in 2016 and will continue through 2017, thanks to a generous grant from The 1000+ Club to Benefit Cancer. The mission of The 1000+ Club to Benefit Cancer is to provide funding to selected 501(c)(3) Broward County cancer organization(s) though fundraising events, membership, and contributions to support cancer education and cancer patient services.

Through BCCOI, DDF works with community hospital systems, oncologists, physicians, and others through face-to-face meetings and webinars to educate healthcare providers about DDF's free programs and services. The organization will also work with healthcare systems to directly communicate with patients following their diagnosis and during treatment. Debbie's Dream Foundation currently serves patients and their families through its Patient Resource Education Program (PREP). The services include a comprehensive collection of information about issues relevant to stomach cancer patients including recorded lectures and webinars, live webinars and symposia, an online support community, blog, and a peer-to-peer mentoring program. This Initiative will assist in bringing much-needed education and support systems to the local Broward County community.

"As the President and Founder of an organization providing services to an international audience, I am thrilled to be continuing this local initiative to help serve the Broward County community where we are headquartered," said Debbie Zelman. "This program will lead the way to providing more resources and support, resulting in a more patient-centered, humanistic, and collaborative approach to the treatment of stomach cancer," Zelman continued.

Stomach cancer is estimated to be the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer death. Eighty percent of stomach cancer patients in the United States are diagnosed at stage IV, and only have a four percent chance of being alive in five years. Stomach cancer affects a disproportionate number of minorities including African-Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic populations. Reported data indicates the increased annual incidence rate of stomach cancer in Broward County compared to other Florida counties. Based on data reported between 2008 and 2012, it is estimated that between 125 and 432 individuals in Broward County are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year.

To learn more about the Broward County Community Outreach Initiative, to schedule an appointment for your office or institution, or to register to receive information and services please contact Dr. Mary-Margaret Killmeyer by email at [email protected] or call 954-475-1200.

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 gastric cancer in 2008 and given only weeks to live. DDF now has a Medical Advisory Board of world renowned doctors and chapters throughout the United States and in Canada and Germany. Considered a "Super Survivor," Debbie is still receiving chemotherapy almost 9 ½ 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:
Brittnay Starks
Communications Coordinator
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer
(954) 475-1200
[email protected]

SOURCE Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer