Treatment of Stomach Cancer and Lack of Research Message Reaches Capitol Hill During the Second Annual Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer Advocacy Day

DAVIE, Fla., March 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Advocates for Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) traveled to Washington, DC for the Second Annual Stomach Cancer Advocacy Day. Patients and survivors were among the stomach cancer advocates, representing 16 states, who participated in more than 70 congressional meetings and whose stories told the need for more stomach cancer research funding.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140314/PH83249-a )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140314/PH83249-b )

This year 22,000 Americans will learn they have stomach (gastric) cancer, and more than 10,000 will die from this disease. The incidence of stomach cancer has increased by almost 70 percent in young people, age 25-39 years, since 1977. Stomach cancer has few warning signs, and 80 percent of stomach cancer is diagnosed at late stage when effective treatment options are lacking. The five-year survival rate for Stage IV stomach cancer is just 4 percent.

DDF's priority is to convince the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to allocate more funding for stomach cancer research. During their meetings with lawmakers, DDF advocates also expressed their support for the inclusion of stomach cancer in the Department of Defense's Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) where it would compete through a peer-reviewed process for research funding.

Among the participating advocates was Kristin Fitzgerald, the Chair of the Debbie's Dream Advocacy Committee whose husband passed away at the age of 37 from stomach cancer. "DDF is the first stomach cancer advocacy group to sponsor an advocacy day where patients and advocates can bring their stories to Congress," Fitzgerald said. "Congressional support on these issues is what will make a difference for stomach cancer patients and their families. We are so grateful that our efforts are resulting in increased Congressional support and attention to this very important issue."

"We were honored to have the opportunity to meet with key legislators who have expressed their strong support for increased funding for stomach cancer research," said Debbie's Dream President and Founder Debbie Zelman. "Many thanks to Florida Representatives Lois Frankel and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen who have championed the effort to include stomach cancer in the DoD program."

DDF was founded by Debbie Zelman after she was diagnosed with Stage IV incurable stomach cancer in 2008 and given only weeks to live. Zelman immediately began to educate herself about this disease and to seek the best available care. When she responded favorably to her treatment, Debbie founded DDF which now has 19 chapters throughout the United States and Canada and a Medical Advisory Board of 25 renowned doctors from across the country. Now, six years later, Debbie is still receiving chemotherapy and is thrilled to be able to watch her three children grow up.

The organization is committed to raising awareness about stomach cancer, providing funding for research, and helping provide education and support to patients, families, and caregivers around the world. Gastric cancer is estimated to be the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer death.

Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) was founded by Debbie Zelman in 2009 after she was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer in 2008. The organization, originally known as Debbie's Dream Foundation, is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to internationally raising awareness about stomach cancer; advancing funding for research; and providing education and support to patients, families, and caregivers. Debbie's Dream Foundation seeks as its ultimate goal to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality.

Media Contact:  Jenna Reed
(954) 475-1200 or Email

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SOURCE Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer