Debbie's Dream Team Runs For Stomach Cancer at the Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Half Marathon

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer's (DDF) Dream Team ran in the 2018 Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, February 18, 2018 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Event Co-Chairs Claudia Cusnir and Blake Starr and their committee led the team of 42 runners in an effort to raise awareness and research funding for stomach cancer. As a result, the Dream Team was able to secure $16,700 to help advance the mission.

"This was the first year that we've done the Marathon without Debbie," said Event Co-Chair Blake Starr about DDF's late Founder Debbie Zelman. "I felt Debbie's presence from my very first step across the start line, throughout the 13.1 miles, and of course across the finish line. I was also beyond honored to carry so many warriors with me throughout the race."  

Prior to the run, the committee held a Kick-Off Party on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Duffy's Sport Grill in Plantation, Florida. The night included delicious food, raffles, inspirational speeches, and bonding with fellow DDF runners. On the day of the marathon, DDF provided a runner's dream atmosphere filled with the essentials for an optimal run experience: DDF t-shirts, fuel food, water, and complimentary massages. Volunteers from across the community supported the team by cheering them on with handmade inspirational posters and made sure they stayed hydrated by providing water at water stops.

"It was very emotional to see the DDF periwinkle along the course, the volunteers at the water stations, family, friends and DDF high school clubs representing Debbie and her legacy," said Event Co-Chair Claudia Cusnir. "These amazing people woke up very early and worked tirelessly to cheer and encourage everyone. It was magical!"

For more information about Debbie's Dream Foundation, visit www.DebbiesDream.org.

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 gastric 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. Debbie is considered a pioneer by many for bringing awareness to the plight of stomach cancer patients worldwide, and the lack of federal funding for stomach cancer research. She did all of this while receiving hundreds of rounds of chemo, in addition to daily oral treatments. Debbie passed away on December 23, 2017 at the age of 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 and Germany. DDF strives to continue Debbie's mission to make her dream come true. 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]
www.DebbiesDream.org

SOURCE Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer

Related Links

http://www.debbiesdream.org