14th Annual Stomach Cancer Capitol Hill Advocacy Day

Why Advocacy Day Matters

At Debbie’s Dream Foundation, we know that ending stomach cancer depends on increasing research and that the federal government is the largest funder of cancer research.  Since Congress makes the decisions about how to spend the federal budget, we launched the Annual Stomach Cancer Capitol Hill Advocacy Day in 2014 with a clear purpose: to educate policymakers about the urgent need for more research, to empower patients, caregivers, and researchers to share their voices directly with decision-makers, and to build a united community ready to drive change together.

Now, 11 years later, the Stomach Cancer Advocacy Day has grown into a true movement that has made a real difference.  Read about some of our successes. The event has been expanded to include a Patient Retreat – giving everyone impacted by this disease a powerful way to fight back against stomach cancer, push for proactive change and learn about resources and tools for navigating your personal journey.

The 2026 event will be held on February 23-24 in Washington, DC

Save Your Spot in Washington, D.C.

Step Into the Movement!

Advocacy Day is a two-and-a-half day event in Washington, D.C. (Sunday night to Wednesday morning) where a passionate group of individuals unite on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress to urge them to make stomach cancer a national priority. These advocates travel from all 50 states and are comprised of survivors, caregivers, researchers, healthcare professionals, volunteers and loved ones of those impacted by this disease.

You do not need any experience with advocacy or talking to members of Congress to participate!  Anyone who is passionate about telling their story and making a difference for stomach cancer patients is encouraged to attend. We will provide you with the tools, resources and training to make your voice heard. We also schedule all of your meetings with your members of Congress.  All you have to do is register, get yourself to Washington, DC and book your hotel.

What to Expect

The Stomach Cancer Advocacy Day is an incredible bonding experience for all who attend. The more voices we can bring to the Capitol, the more powerful our message will be.

Sunday, February 22

• Arrive in DC by the afternoon of February 22 and attend our Welcome Reception held at the event hotel – Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle NW Washington, DC 20005

Monday, February 23

• We’ll start the day with breakfast, followed by an Advocacy Training session so that you understand how congressional meetings work and to for your meetings with your members of Congress. During the training, we will help you fine-tune your story into a powerful advocacy tool and teach you how to ask Congress what we need them to do: increase federal funding for stomach cancer research. The most crucial part of the meetings is telling your personal story about how stomach cancer has impacted you. You will also have time to meet the rest of your group that will be in the congressional meetings with you.
• The Patient Retreat will begin after lunch, during which we will provide tools and resources for managing your journey with stomach cancer, from nutrition tips to emotional wellness skills.
• The day will conclude with a dinner where you will have ample time to socialize and meet others impacted by stomach cancer.

Tuesday, February 24

• Join the Send-off Breakfast where we’ll provide you fuel for the day and answer any last minute questions about your schedule for meeting with your members of Congress.
• 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Meetings on the Hill – We will turn Capitol Hill periwinkle! You will not be alone. We will arrange group meetings for you to sit down with your elected officials and/or their staff, and we will provide you with all the resources you need to be successful. Expect to attend meetings on Capitol Hill until at least 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24.
• We’ll conclude with a celebratory Hill Day Reception and prepare for departure on Wednesday.