From the Gut: Real Talk on Stomach Cancer

Some stories aren't defined by a diagnosis; they're defined by how we choose to live.
In this special edition of From the Gut: Real Talk on Stomach Cancer, Debbie's Dream Foundation CEO Amanda Pullinger sits down with writer, storyteller, and stomach cancer advocate David Smilow for a thoughtful conversation about the human experience of living with stage IV stomach cancer.

Drawing from his acclaimed Gut Check newsletter and personal experiences, David reflects on the moments that have shaped his journey, from the uncertainty of diagnosis to finding gratitude in everyday life. Together, Amanda and David explore how cancer can change your perspective without defining your identity, the importance of vulnerability and human connection, and why sharing our stories can inspire hope in others.

Throughout the conversation, David discusses:

🎗️Holding onto your identity beyond a cancer diagnosis
🎗️Navigating uncertainty with resilience and hope
🎗️The role of storytelling in healing and connecting with others
🎗️Speaking openly about fear, gratitude, and the emotional realities of living with stomach cancer
🎗️The importance of community and finding meaning through life's most difficult moments

Whether you're living with stomach cancer, caring for someone you love, or searching for hope in the face of uncertainty, David's reflections offer an authentic reminder that while every journey is different, no one has to face it alone.

Learn more about Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer at www.DebbiesDream.org

#FromTheGut #StomachCancer #CancerStories #PatientVoices #StageIV #CancerAdvocacy #DebbiesDreamFoundation

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In this latest episode of From the Gut: Real Talk on Stomach Cancer, we discuss how much family history matters when it comes to stomach cancer. We explore the life-changing impact of genetic testing and hereditary cancer risk through the stories of three individuals whose lives have been shaped by inherited genetic mutations.

🎙️Dakota "Kodi" Ashmore, a young survivor with a CDH1 mutation, shares what it was like to make the difficult decision to undergo a total gastrectomy at a young age after witnessing the impact of stomach cancer in her family.
🎙️Julie Feece offers a powerful parent's perspective. After losing her son to stomach cancer linked to a CDH1 mutation, her family learned that her younger son also carried the mutation. Early detection and preventive surgery helped save his life.
🎙️Niccole Branson, a BRCA1-positive survivor, shares how her stomach cancer diagnosis before age 40 revealed another important genetic connection and changed the course of her care.

Together, they discuss:
-The role of genetic testing in stomach cancer prevention
-Living with hereditary cancer risk
-Family conversations about genetic mutations
-Making difficult medical decisions at different stages of life
=Finding hope, support, and community after diagnosis

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, survivor, or someone with a family history of cancer, this episode highlights how knowledge can empower families to take action and make informed decisions.

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In this special edition of From the Gut, Debbie’s Dream Foundation CEO Amanda Pullinger sits down with Communications Director Brittnay Starks for a fireside chat with the DDF community.

Recorded live during Debbie’s Dream Foundation’s 14th Annual Stomach Cancer Capitol Hill Advocacy Day in February 2026, this conversation offers a personal introduction to Amanda’s journey, her connection to the cancer community, and what excites her about leading Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer into its next chapter.

During the discussion, Amanda shares:

 • Her personal and professional background
 • How cancer advocacy has shaped her leadership perspective
 • What inspired her to join Debbie’s Dream Foundation
 • Her hopes for the future of stomach cancer awareness, research, and advocacy

Together, Amanda and Brittnay reflect on the power of community and the importance of elevating the voices of stomach cancer patients, caregivers, and advocates.

This fireside chat marks Amanda’s first Advocacy Day as CEO, where members of the DDF community gathered in Washington, DC to advocate for increased research funding and awareness for stomach cancer.

Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing funding for stomach cancer research, raising awareness, and supporting patients, families, and caregivers worldwide. Learn more: www.DebbiesDream.org

The From the Gut podcast features conversations with survivors, caregivers, medical experts, and advocates working to improve outcomes for stomach cancer patients.

#stomachcacer #gastriccancer #debbiesdreamfoundation #stomachcancerawareness #advocacy

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From the Gut: Real Talk on Stomach Cancer – Episode 6
“Legacy, Love & Advocacy: Black Voices on Stomach Cancer”

In this special episode of From the Gut, we center the voices and experiences of Black families whose lives have been deeply impacted by stomach cancer.

🎙️ Kelle Brown shares how losing her sister to stomach cancer led her to pursue genetic testing and ultimately undergo a total gastrectomy after discovering she carries the CDH1 gene mutation.

🎙️ Anissa Bass reflects on the life and legacy of her husband, and the realities families face when navigating a difficult diagnosis while advocating for answers and care.

🎙️ Natalie Queen opens up about losing her brother to stomach cancer and how that experience shaped her family’s journey with awareness and advocacy.

🎙️ Aisha McDonald, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Trauma Expert, and Board Member of Debbie’s Dream Foundation, joins the conversation to provide insight on the emotional impact of cancer on families and the importance of ensuring that all communities have access to information, support, and resources.

Together, they explore:
• Why stomach cancer awareness is important in every community
• The importance of advocating for yourself and your loved ones
• How cultural and systemic factors can influence diagnosis, treatment, and support
• The lasting impact of stomach cancer on families and future generations

Through honest conversation and shared experiences, this episode aims to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and empower more people to recognize symptoms, seek care, and speak up for their health.

🌐 Learn more at www.DebbiesDream.org

#FromTheGut #StomachCancerAwareness #HealthEquity #BlackHistoryMonth #CancerAdvocacy #DebbiesDreamFoundation

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In the latest episode of From the Gut: Real Talk on Stomach Cancer, stage IV stomach cancer patient Essie Graeber shares her deeply personal journey of finding hope, meaning, and quality of life while living with cancer. She’s joined by Jessica Ketterer, a clinical psychologist at Memorial Cancer Institute, who offers insight into the emotional realities of cancer and the importance of supporting patients and caregivers at every stage.

Learn more at www.DebbiesDream.org.

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Stomach cancer affects every part of life, including relationships and intimacy.

In this deeply personal and empowering episode, we bring together voices from both the patient and caregiver experience to discuss what love and connection look like through the lens of stomach cancer.

🎙️Alyssa Burks, a stage IV stomach cancer patient, and her husband and caregiver Audric Burks open up about their journey as a young couple navigating treatment, uncertainty, and closeness in the face of a life-changing diagnosis.

🎙️ Jennifer Johnson, a certified marriage coach whose own husband underwent a total gastrectomy due to the CDH1 gene mutation, offers compassionate, practical insights for couples learning how to reconnect emotionally and physically after cancer enters the relationship.

Together, they explore:

🩵🎗️How to maintain intimacy and communication during treatment
🩵🎗️The emotional toll cancer can have on couples—and how to support each other
🩵🎗️What caregivers need, and what survivors often don’t say out loud
🩵🎗️Ways to normalize conversations around love, sex, body image, and vulnerability
🩵🎗️Whether you’re a survivor, a caregiver, or a couple navigating cancer together, this episode offers real talk, raw honesty, and hope.

Learn more at www.DebbiesDream.org.

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In recognition of Gastric Cancer Awareness Month, this episode shines a light on an often‑overlooked chapter in the cancer journey — life after treatment.

🎙️ Yoli Day, a stomach cancer survivor, long‑time advocate, and Board Member of Debbie’s Dream Foundation, shares her journey of resilience and healing as a participant in the Avanzando Caminos (Leading Pathways) Study.

🎙️ Dr. Derek Rodriguez, survivorship expert and manager of the Avanzando Caminos program at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, offers both professional and personal insight — drawing from his own experience as a cancer survivor to help others navigate life beyond diagnosis.

🎙️ Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, an internationally recognized leader in Latino health equity and behavioral science, joins the conversation to highlight how culturally tailored survivorship programs like Avanzando Caminos are improving outcomes for Latino cancer survivors. As Director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research and founder of Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio, Dr. Ramirez has dedicated her career to advancing research, outreach, and communication to reduce health disparities and promote wellness across underserved communities.

Together, they explore:

- How survivorship programs support recovery and resilience
- The emotional and cultural aspects of post‑treatment life
- Why long‑term care and resources are vital for sustained health
- How research and advocacy intersect to uplift diverse patient voices

📺 Watch now and join the conversation.
🌐 Learn more at www.DebbiesDream.org

#FromTheGut #StomachCancerAwareness #CancerSurvivorship #LatinoHealth #DebbiesDream 
#AvanzandoCaminos #HealthEquity #UTHealthSanAntonio

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This episode explores how advocacy can empower anyone impacted by stomach cancer—survivors, caregivers, and allies alike.

🎙️ Jessica Alcantar, DDF’s Programs & Events Coordinator and a long-time advocate, shares how her personal journey led to a lifelong commitment to stomach cancer advocacy.

🎙️ Brian Rubenstein, Advocacy Consultant for Debbie’s Dream Foundation, provides insight into how everyday voices are shaping policy, increasing research funding, and building a powerful movement.

Together, they discuss:

How to become an advocate in your own way

DDF’s year-round advocacy programs and Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill

Why sharing your story matters—whether you're a survivor, caregiver, or supporter

The legislative impact of grassroots efforts

💪 Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been advocating for years, this episode will show you how your voice can fuel change and bring our community together.

🌐 Learn more at www.DebbiesDream.org

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In this episode of From the Gut, we explore one of the most life-changing procedures in stomach cancer treatment: the total gastrectomy—complete removal of the stomach.

🩺 Dr. Travis Grotz, a surgical oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and Colt Blunt, a psychologist and Stage 3 stomach cancer survivor, share their unique perspectives—one from the operating room, the other from lived experience.

Together, they break down:

What a total gastrectomy really involves

- How patients can prepare, physically and mentally

- Life after surgery: nutrition, mindset, and recovery

- The importance of patient advocacy and multidisciplinary care

This powerful episode blends expert insight with personal resilience and is a must-watch for patients, caregivers, and anyone navigating a stomach cancer diagnosis.

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more real talk on stomach cancer.

🔗 Learn more at www.DebbiesDream.org

#FromTheGut #StomachCancer #TotalGastrectomy #SurvivorStories #MayoClinic #CDH1 #CancerAwareness #DebbiesDreamFoundation

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Some stories aren't defined by a diagnosis; they're defined by how we choose to live.
In this special edition of From the Gut: Real Talk on Stomach Cancer, Debbie's Dream Foundation CEO Amanda Pullinger sits down with writer, storyteller, and stomach cancer advocate David Smilow for a thoughtful conversation about the human experience of living with stage IV stomach cancer.

Drawing from his acclaimed Gut Check newsletter and personal experiences, David reflects on the moments that have shaped his journey, from the uncertainty of diagnosis to finding gratitude in everyday life. Together, Amanda and David explore how cancer can change your perspective without defining your identity, the importance of vulnerability and human connection, and why sharing our stories can inspire hope in others.

Throughout the conversation, David discusses:

🎗️Holding onto your identity beyond a cancer diagnosis
🎗️Navigating uncertainty with resilience and hope
🎗️The role of storytelling in healing and connecting with others
🎗️Speaking openly about fear, gratitude, and the emotional realities of living with stomach cancer
🎗️The importance of community and finding meaning through life's most difficult moments

Whether you're living with stomach cancer, caring for someone you love, or searching for hope in the face of uncertainty, David's reflections offer an authentic reminder that while every journey is different, no one has to face it alone.

Learn more about Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer at www.DebbiesDream.org

#FromTheGut #StomachCancer #CancerStories #PatientVoices #StageIV #CancerAdvocacy #DebbiesDreamFoundation

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In this special edition of From the Gut, Debbie’s Dream Foundation CEO Amanda Pullinger sits down with Communications Director Brittnay Starks for a fireside chat with the DDF community.

Recorded live during Debbie’s Dream Foundation’s 14th Annual Stomach Cancer Capitol Hill Advocacy Day in February 2026, this conversation offers a personal introduction to Amanda’s journey, her connection to the cancer community, and what excites her about leading Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer into its next chapter.

During the discussion, Amanda shares:

 • Her personal and professional background
 • How cancer advocacy has shaped her leadership perspective
 • What inspired her to join Debbie’s Dream Foundation
 • Her hopes for the future of stomach cancer awareness, research, and advocacy

Together, Amanda and Brittnay reflect on the power of community and the importance of elevating the voices of stomach cancer patients, caregivers, and advocates.

This fireside chat marks Amanda’s first Advocacy Day as CEO, where members of the DDF community gathered in Washington, DC to advocate for increased research funding and awareness for stomach cancer.

Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing funding for stomach cancer research, raising awareness, and supporting patients, families, and caregivers worldwide. Learn more: www.DebbiesDream.org

The From the Gut podcast features conversations with survivors, caregivers, medical experts, and advocates working to improve outcomes for stomach cancer patients.

#stomachcacer #gastriccancer #debbiesdreamfoundation #stomachcancerawareness #advocacy

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