#United States #Fort Lauderdale #Stomach Cancer #Patient Support #Debbie's Dream

Celebrating Progress: Debbie's Dream Foundation in 2025

In an inspiring conclusion to 2025, Debbie's Dream Foundation (DDF) has marked a year of significant advancements and achievements in the battle against stomach cancer. Centered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, DDF has expanded its programs, strengthened partnerships, and deepened its commitment to patients and families affected by this challenging disease.

Collaborative Achievements Driven by Industry Partnerships

DDF extends heartfelt gratitude to its industry partners, whose generous support has been vital in enhancing educational and advocacy initiatives worldwide. With the evolving needs of the stomach cancer community in mind, DDF has successfully broadened its programming to address the surge in demand for support and reliable information among families.

Michael Ehren, President of the Board of DDF, acknowledged, "The continued generosity and partnership of our sponsors enable us to meet the ever-changing needs of those impacted by stomach cancer. In 2025, we’ve expanded existing programs and reached more patients globally, all thanks to our dedicated partners."

A Spotlight on Key Initiatives

At the forefront of DDF’s 2025 achievements was the Patient Resource Education Program (PREP). This program provided invaluable mentorship, monthly support groups, information kits, and holistic support through partnerships with organizations like Gilda's Club South Florida. With backing from notable sponsors such as Astellas, Amgen, and Merck, PREP has played a crucial role in ensuring that patients and caregivers remain connected and informed throughout their journeys.

DDF's educational initiatives have also flourished, with national and international gastric cancer symposia allowing patients and families to engage directly with world-renowned clinicians and researchers. Regular webinars covering important topics such as treatment updates and nutritional guidance contributed to the foundation’s mission of disseminating vital information.

One standout initiative of 2025 was the From the Gut: Real Talk on Stomach Cancer podcast series, marking DDF's first foray into educational podcasting. This initiative was designed to facilitate open, medically accurate conversations featuring a diverse range of voices including survivors, experts, and advocates.

Expanding Accessibility and Support

DDF has reinforced its commitment to accessible education through the Doctors On Call program, providing timely updates on treatment and survivorship, fueled by industry support from companies like Astellas и Merck. The expansion of DDF's dedicated Nutrition Program—featuring cooking demos and dietary guidance—has empowered patients to better navigate their treatment journey.

Health equity remained a core focus throughout 2025, with the foundation working tirelessly to bridge gaps in awareness and access to care. Multilingual educational resources and partnerships with community organizations have allowed DDF to extend its reach, particularly into underserved populations.

Community Engagement and Advocacy Efforts

The impact of DDF has further rippled outward through its volunteer-driven PREP events, which have seen increased participation and support for families nationwide. The 2025 Advocacy Day event was another highlight, empowering survivors to engage in federal funding advocacy while bolstered by the support of industry partners.

As DDF looks forward to 2026 and beyond, the foundation remains inspired by its collaborative accomplishments and steadfast in its mission to find a cure for stomach cancer. For more information and to learn how to get involved, visit Debbie's Dream Foundation.

About DDF

Established in 2009 by Debbie Zelman following her diagnosis with stage IV stomach cancer, DDF aims to raise awareness and support research efforts about gastric cancer while providing resources for patients, families, and caregivers. The organization has grown tremendously since its founding, driven by Debbie's passionate pursuit of progress in the face of adversity, and continues to strive toward making her dream of a cure a reality.