Debbie's Dream Foundation Launches Registration for Stomach Cancer Advocacy Day 2026

Join the Fight Against Stomach Cancer at Capitol Hill Advocacy Day

Debbie's Dream Foundation (DDF) is excited to announce the registration for its 14th Annual Stomach Cancer Capitol Hill Advocacy Day, scheduled for February 23-24, 2026. This significant event in Washington, D.C., will bring advocates from across the nation together in a powerful call to action aimed at increasing federal support for stomach cancer research and early detection.

For over a decade, Debbie's Dream Foundation has been at the forefront of the fight against stomach cancer, and this year marks a pivotal moment as advocates rally to push for expanded funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other governmental organizations. This is especially critical as stomach cancer continues to be one of the deadliest and most underfunded cancers in the United States.

The Importance of Advocacy Day

The Advocacy Day has grown exponentially since its inception in 2014, starting with fewer than 50 participants and ballooning to nearly 200 in 2025. This growth reflects an increasing awareness and urgency regarding stomach cancer. Recent research published in JAMA Oncology highlights a disturbing rise in early-onset stomach cancer, making federal support more vital than ever.

At this year's event, DDF will also push for H. pylori screening in the Armed Forces and advocate for the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act, which aims to improve awareness and detection of this critical health issue.

Michael Ehren, DDF Board President, stated, "Increased federal investment in research is essential to accelerating the breakthroughs we desperately need. Groundbreaking trials like MATTERHORN would not be possible without sustained federal support. Further, we need federal support to build the cadre of researchers required to find the answers patients desperately need. Now more than ever, we need advocates and the research community to speak out and keep the momentum going."

Key Features of the Event

Participants will benefit from training sessions, arranged meetings with congressional representatives, and opportunities for networking and building community among fellow advocates. DDF will also provide limited financial assistance to eligible participants through its Advocacy Scholarship Fund.

To register for the Advocacy Day or to learn more, visit Debbie's Dream Foundation’s Advocacy Page. Whether you are a patient, survivor, or supporter, your voice is crucial in this fight for awareness and funding.

About Debbie's Dream Foundation

Established in 2009 by Debbie Zelman, who was diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer, DDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer, increasing research funding, and providing vital support and education for patients and caregivers alike. Since its formation, DDF has successfully secured nearly $47 million in federal research funding and significantly increased stomach cancer research funding through the National Cancer Institute since 2020. Under Debbie's leadership, the organization continues to fulfill her vision of a world where stomach cancer is curable.

For further details on the Advocacy Day and other initiatives, visit Debbie's Dream Foundation.