#United States #Debbie's Dream Foundation #gastric cancer #cancer awareness #Hollywood, Florida

Debbie's Dream Foundation Hosts 2024 Gastric Cancer Symposium

On November 9, 2024, the Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) organized the 2024 Ask the Experts Gastric Cancer Educational Symposium at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. This significant event gathered patients, survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals to exchange crucial information and cultivate a supportive community in the fight against stomach cancer.

The symposium featured a series of sessions led by medical experts that covered key topics such as palliative care, psychosocial recovery, and the latest innovations in gastric cancer treatments. Attendees also participated in Q&A sessions led by survivors and caregivers, fostering discussions around resilience in the face of adversity. Additionally, there was an interactive segment focused on stress-relief techniques essential for emotional well-being during challenging times.

Andrea Eidelman, the CEO of DDF, expressed the essence of the symposium: "This symposium embodies the heart of what Debbie's Dream Foundation stands for—empowering patients and caregivers with knowledge, fostering connections, and advancing the fight against stomach cancer. We are grateful to everyone who made this event so impactful."

DDF's community partners, including YMCA of South Florida, Gilda's Club South Florida, and HCA Florida Healthcare, were present, providing valuable resources through informational booths. The event had substantial sponsorship support, with Daiichi-Sankyo as the National Title Sponsor, alongside Merck as a Gold Sponsor, and Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Taiho Oncology serving as Silver and Bronze Sponsors.

Participants were encouraged to engage with the event’s social media, where photos and highlights from the day were shared. Recordings from the sessions will soon be accessible on the DDF website’s lecture library, allowing those unable to attend to benefit from the wealth of knowledge shared during the symposium.

About Debbie's Dream Foundation

Founded in 2009 by Debbie Zelman, who herself battled stage IV incurable gastric cancer, DDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving awareness and research funding for stomach cancer. The organization aims to offer educational support to patients, families, and caregivers, with the ultimate goal of making stomach cancer curable. Following Debbie's passing on December 23, 2017, the foundation has continued her mission, driven by a Scientific and Medical Advisory Board composed of globally recognized doctors and expanding its reach across the US, Canada, Germany, and Japan.

With unwavering commitment, DDF strives to raise awareness and provide the necessary resources for those affected by stomach cancer, keeping Debbie Zelman's legacy alive as a pioneer for this cause.

For more information about DDF's initiatives, the upcoming 13th Annual Capitol Hill Stomach Cancer Advocacy Day, or ways to get involved, visit www.DebbiesDream.org.

Key Takeaways

• - The symposium emphasized community support and education.
• - Experts provided insights on care and treatment innovations.
• - Sponsors and partners collaborated to enhance resources for attendees,
• - DDF continues Debbie's fight through advocacy and awareness efforts.