Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer Raises Nearly $50,000 at the 4th Annual Dream BIG Legacy Luncheon

Guests gathered to raise funds for stomach cancer research and honor the legacy of late DDF Founder Debbie Zelman

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Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer

Nov 15, 2018, 08:34 ET

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF), a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funding for stomach cancer research, hosted its 4th Annual Dream BIG Legacy Luncheon on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at the Jacaranda Country Club in Plantation, Florida. The Luncheon was attended by more than 170 guests and raised nearly $50,000 to fund research and provide resources and support for stomach cancer patients and families worldwide.

2018 Debbie Zelman Legacy Award recipient Pat Campola with Luncheon Co-Chairs Sabrina Kurzman and Linda Gendler

4th Annual Dream BIG Legacy Luncheon Committee members Corinne Rosner, Debra Princz, Hope Plevy, Jodi Swirsky, Madelyn Zelman, Luncheon Co-Chairs Linda Gendler and Sabrina Kurzman, Tamar Shatanof, Noemi Sanchez, Jenna Reed, Lisa Fertel, and Donna Schwartz

The Luncheon featured a silent auction, three-course lunch, and a heartfelt video presentation honoring the legacy of late DDF Founder Debbie Zelman. Pat Campola, a stage II stomach cancer survivor, was presented with the inaugural Debbie Zelman Legacy Award, given in recognition of Campola's longstanding support and involvement as a mentor in DDF's Patient Resource Education Program, a member of DDF's Board of Directors, and an advocate for others similarly affected by stomach cancer. Guests also enjoyed a trendy fashion show hosted in partnership with Wish & Shoes Boutique, a jewelry exhibit featuring Kendra Scott jewelry, and signature lemonade cocktails provided by Tito's Handmade Vodka.

Linda Gendler and Sabrina Kurzman led the event as co-chairs for the fourth year in a row along with their Luncheon committee. Both women are longtime friends of Debbie, and they have been involved with DDF since its earlier years. "Although our courageous friend is gone, her legacy continues and so does our effort to raise funds to find a cure for stomach cancer," said Linda Gendler. "We know Debbie is smiling down from above as she watches us carry on the great work she started to keep her dream alive," said Sabrina Kurzman.

For more information about DDF and to learn more about ways to get involved, visit www.DebbiesDream.org.

About Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer
DDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about gastric cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support internationally to patients, families, and caregivers. DDF seeks as its ultimate goal to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality.

DDF was founded in 2009 by Debbie Zelman after she was diagnosed with stage IV incurable gastric cancer in 2008 and given only weeks to live. Debbie is considered a pioneer by many for bringing awareness to the plight of stomach cancer patients worldwide and the lack of federal funding for stomach cancer research. She achieved all of this while receiving hundreds of rounds of chemotherapy in addition to daily oral treatments. Debbie passed away on December 23, 2017 at the age of 50, almost a decade later. As a result of her leadership, DDF now has a Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, comprised of world-renowned physicians, and chapters throughout the United States and in Canada and Germany. DDF strives to continue Debbie's mission and make her dream come true. To learn more about DDF, please visit us at www.DebbiesDream.org.

Media Contact:
Brittnay Starks
Communications Coordinator
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer
(954) 475-1200
[email protected]
www.DebbiesDream.org

SOURCE Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer