Amanda Pullinger Takes the Helm as CEO of Debbie's Dream Foundation to Combat Stomach Cancer

Amanda Pullinger Takes Charge at Debbie's Dream Foundation

On December 17, 2025, Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) made a significant announcement regarding its leadership. Amanda Pullinger, a seasoned nonprofit leader, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer. With a rich background in both business and nonprofit sectors, Pullinger is set to steer DDF toward enhancing its advocacy, patient support programs, and global partnerships aimed at improving outcomes for stomach cancer patients.

Born in the United Kingdom and currently residing in the U.S., Pullinger's career trajectory includes extensive experience in transforming organizations and fostering community engagement. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the evolution of 100 Women in Finance, expanding it from a small entity into a global network boasting over 35,000 members across 32 locations and five continents. Her contributions to women's advancement in finance and leadership have earned her recognition as an influential advocate.

Pullinger's new role at DDF resonates deeply with her personal experiences. After experiencing her own battle with breast cancer in 2009, she developed a profound respect for cancer patients and their families. The care and support she received during her journey strengthened her belief in the importance of patient education and coordinated care—values that align seamlessly with DDF's mission.

In her own words, Pullinger expressed her commitment: "Although my cancer experience was different from what stomach cancer patients face today, I understand how critical it is to have access to early detection, effective treatment options, and compassionate support. I am honored to lead this extraordinary organization. My goal is to help improve outcomes for patients now and in the future, and to make their journey, and the journey of their families and caregivers, more bearable." Under her leadership, DDF is poised to continue its mission to support stomach cancer patients globally while pushing for impactful policy changes and expanding federal research funding.

Debbie's Dream Foundation, established in 2009 by Debbie Zelman after her diagnosis with stage IV gastric cancer, has emerged as the country's foremost advocacy organization for stomach cancer. The organization has been instrumental in establishing the first federal stomach cancer research funding stream at the Department of Defense and driving significant increases in stomach cancer research funding through the National Cancer Institute.

Michael Ehren, the President of the DDF Board, expressed excitement about Pullinger's appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Amanda to Debbie's Dream Foundation. She is an experienced, innovative, savvy, and passionate leader who will help DDF continue and expand its important work for the stomach cancer community."

As she steps into this role, Pullinger plans to collaborate with DDF's Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, industry partners, and patient advocates to broaden the organization's impact. She aims to enhance initiatives like DDF's Patient Resource Education Program (PREP) and strengthen national advocacy efforts.

Pullinger is eager to engage with the entire DDF community, including patients, families, researchers, and advocates, to work collectively toward a future where stomach cancer is more detectable, preventable, treatable, and ultimately curable. Her leadership promises a new chapter in DDF's history, one that aims to honor Debbie Zelman's legacy and continue the fight against stomach cancer.

For more information about Debbie's Dream Foundation and its efforts, visit Debbie's Dream Foundation.