Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) joined with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) to lead a bipartisan coalition of 65 members of Congress in formally requesting that stomach cancer remain eligible for research funding through the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP). Frankel has been working in Congress to support funding and raise awareness for this disease, having been inspired by South Floridian Debbie Zelman, who is a stomach cancer survivor and founded Debbie’s Dream Foundation to help others impacted by stomach cancer. Every year in America, 21,000 Americans are diagnosed with stomach cancer, and it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in this country. (Click here to view a copy of the letter).

“Debbie’s fight against stomach cancer and tireless advocacy for others is truly inspirational,” said Congresswoman Frankel.  “Funding for stomach cancer research has the potential to make an enormous difference in the lives of all who are or who will be diagnosed with this terrible disease, which is the most common form of cancer in the world.”

“I am proud to join Congresswoman Frankel in requesting that stomach cancer research continue to be eligible for funding through the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program,” said Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen.  “Too many South Floridians have had to either endure this painful disease or watch their friends and loved ones suffer. We must do all we can to ensure that we make progress on finding a cure to this disease that has negatively impacted so many.”

“We were honored to have the opportunity to meet with key legislators who have expressed their strong support for increased funding for stomach cancer research,” said Debbie’s Dream President and Founder Debbie Zelman. “DDF is grateful to Florida Representative Lois Frankel who has championed the effort to maintain the inclusion of stomach cancer research funding in the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program.”

Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach 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 the first stomach cancer organization and now has 26 chapters in the US, Canada, and Germany with thousands of supporters and volunteers. DDF helps patients worldwide through a free Patient Resource Education Program (PREP), a Clinical Trials Matching Service, and a Support Community. DDF has a world renowned Medical Advisory Board; hosts free education events internationally; advocates for increased federal funding for stomach cancer research; and directly funds research. For more information about DDF, visit www.DebbiesDream.org.

###