North Carolina Proclaims November as Curing Stomach Cancer Month

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., Oct. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The state of North Carolina has officially proclaimed November as Curing Stomach Cancer Month.  This is a national movement to increase awareness and education about stomach cancer and to spread the message that more research funding needs to be supported. More specifically this research will be geared toward better treatments for stomach cancer in the hope that one day a cure will be found for this deadly disease. Curing Stomach Cancer Month will be observed throughout November and will include events and outreach activities nationwide to benefit Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF). 

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More than 22,000 Americans are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year, and almost one million are diagnosed worldwide.  Stomach cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and fourth in women worldwide.  Each year tens of thousands of lives are lost to this disease.  Despite these staggering statistics, per cancer death, stomach cancer receives the least amount of federal funding of any cancer.  Unfortunately, there is no screening presently used in the United States, and therefore, eighty percent of stomach cancer patients are diagnosed at a late stage when the disease is incurable.  Stomach cancer in the United States is one of the most deadly cancers with a five year survival of only four percent.

DDF is a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds for stomach cancer. DDF encourages patients, friends, families, businesses, and organizations to become involved with Curing Stomach Cancer Month. Whether people participate in a Debbie's Dream Foundation event, host their own event, or have Curing Stomach Cancer Month declared in their state, it can help make a difference for gastric cancer patients.

"Debbie's Dream Foundation makes it easy to declare Curing Stomach Cancer month in your state," said DDF's North Carolina Chapter Co-Founder, Tony Leonard, who helped proclaim Curing Stomach Cancer Month in North Carolina.  Chapter Co-Founder Christy Leonard stated, "DDF provided us with a step-by-step guide for submitting and securing a state proclamation from our governor."  This guide can be found at http://www.debbiesdream.org/portal/curing-stomach-cancer-month.  North Carolina's proclamation that November is Curing Stomach Cancer Month helps to increase awareness about the need to raise the research funding profile for stomach cancer.

"Our goal is for every state to recognize November as Curing Stomach Cancer Month, and we need help to make this happen," said Debbie Zelman, President and Founder of Debbie's Dream Foundation.  "We greatly appreciate everyone's support and dedication to the fight against stomach cancer."

In recognition of November's designation as Curing Stomach Cancer Month, DDF is holding the following events throughout the month:

• Friday, November 14, 2014 – International Stomach Cancer Jeans Day – worldwide - Wear jeans to work, school or play and at the same time raise money for stomach cancer research by taking part in this unique international event! For more information visit www.DebbiesDream.org/portal/stomach-cancer-jeans-day.
• Saturday, November 8, 2014 – Fayetteville, NC Golf Tournament: For more information, to attend, or sponsor, visit http://www.DebbiesDream.org/portal/nc-golf-tournament.

For more information about Debbie's Dream Foundation and Curing Stomach Cancer Month, and for the most current upcoming DDF events, please visit http://www.debbiesdream.org/portal/curing-stomach-cancer-month or call (954) 475-1200.

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 23 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

Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer

(954) 475-1200, Email 

SOURCE Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer