A New Generation of Advocates
2025 Annual Appeal
At Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF), our mission remains grounded in one simple truth: awareness saves lives. As we reflect on another year of impact, we are reminded that the face of stomach cancer is changing. A recent JAMA study revealed that this disease is being diagnosed in younger and younger patients, underscoring the urgency of our work to educate, advocate, and fund research that leads to earlier detection and better outcomes. Recent studies make the issue impossible to ignore, but behind every statistic are real people whose lives have been forever changed.
Alyssa Burks, 34, was diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer in 2023. Since then, she has shared her journey with more than 100,000 TikTok followers, using her voice to raise awareness and remind others that early symptoms should never be overlooked. Earlier this year, Alyssa joined DDF for Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, courageously sharing her story to help lawmakers and the public understand the urgent need for early detection and research.
Your generosity ensures that the next generation faces a future where stomach cancer is not a life sentence, but a story of survival.
Sidney Raskind, 36, was diagnosed earlier this year and recently underwent a total gastrectomy. He has used his platform as a popular influencer with over 1 million Instagram followers to openly share that experience, raising funds for DDF and inspiring his audience to learn about genetic risks and the importance of early testing. Together, Alyssa and Sidney represent a new generation of advocates whose courage and authenticity are helping change how the world sees stomach cancer.
A gift today helps fund critical research, expand awareness, and provide hope to patients like Alyssa and Sidney who are redefining what survival looks like. Together, we can stop stomach cancer from taking more young lives.
