Our Response to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) cares about the general well-being of our community. With the unforeseeable spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are doing our part in minimizing the spread of this disease by participating in “social distancing” as outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. As a result, we have temporarily postponed many of our in-person events,  and our staff continues to work remotely to stay safe and still serve the stomach cancer community.

While we navigate the constant changes of this pandemic, we are still dedicated to carrying forth our mission of serving those affected by stomach cancer. We will continue accepting patient inquiries and requests for mentorship through our Patient Resource Education Program (PREP) and offer Free Stomach Cancer Educational Webinars and Stomach Cancer Support Groups as featured under Upcoming Events on our website. While in-person events such as our Dream Makers Gala and upcoming Stomach Cancer Symposia are changing on a case-by-case basis, we will keep you informed of all postponements, cancellations, and rescheduled dates.

Our team continues to monitor the latest coronavirus developments closely and we recommend that everyone stay informed on updates about COVID-19, such as who may be at higher risk, what resources are available, and what steps to take if you or someone you know contracts the virus as per the CDC guidelines.

We are all in this together and must ensure that we not only protect our own health but that we protect public health as well.

Here are some things to keep in mind as outlined by the CDC:

Coronavirus Symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms that may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

How it Spreads

  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
  • The virus is thought to spread from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Wash your hands often, especially when visiting public places, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Use hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol when hand washing isn’t possible.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.
  • Avoid close contact with others who are sick, especially if your immune system is also compromised.

How to Protect Others

  • Stay at home if you are sick to avoid putting others at risk.
  • Wear a mask if you are sick or caring for someone who is sick. Face masks are in short supply and should be reserved for caregivers.
  • Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces daily, including doorknobs, light switches, countertops, phones, keyboards, toilets, etc...

Different COVID-19 Vaccines

Click here for a list of available COVID-19 vaccines.

For more details on how to stay safe and the latest information on the coronavirus, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

 

To request a PREP Mentor, click here.

To sign up for upcoming webinars and support groups, click here.

For additional information, contact DDF at 954-475-1200 or email admin@DebbiesDream.org.