GCF Annual Event Huge Success

December 2017

A Cause For Hope Raises More Than $300k to Support Gastric Cancer Research

The Foundation's November Annual Event was a sell-out and drew hundreds committed to supporting gastric cancer research. "A Cause for Hope" 2017 raised a record amount that will enable the Foundation to expand its research initiatives. "We are energized by the involvement and generosity generated by this special gathering. Thank you to everyone who contributed to its success," said Paul Gottsegen, Board Co-Chair.

The Foundation is increasing its funding of the Gastric Cancer Registry to create a more engaging and informative web portal, while expanding the number of registrants and tissue samples gathered for use in research.

The Foundation has now completed funding of the Research Scholar Award that was created in partnership with the American Gastroenterological Association. The Foundation contributed $1.25 million to establish this perpetual award that enables talented young scientists to stay focused on finding a cure for this disease rather than pursuing other areas of cancer research that are more fully funded. In a moving tribute to outgoing Board Chair, Wayne Feinstein, it was announced that the research award will be re-named to honor the memory of Wayne and Leslee Feinstein's son, Ben, who died from gastric cancer at the age of 20.

Ron Weintraub Retires from Board,

Gastric Cancer Registry Created in Memory of Daughter

Ron and Diane Weintraub (shown here at the annual event) lost their daughter, Beth, the mother of four young children, to gastric cancer in 2010. After this tragic loss, the family was determined to help others avoid similar suffering and loss from this disease. Ron soon joined the Foundation's Board of Directors and the Weintraubs provided seed funding to launch the first HIPAA-compliant Gastric Cancer Registry at Stanford University in 2011. They have continued to generously support its expansion over the years. Learn more about how the Registry is progressing.

Alice Leung, Board Co-Chair, commented, "Ron has been a great asset to our Board. I have appreciated his wise counsel and constant focus on enhancing our effectiveness to accelerate progress. He has made a real difference, and we are grateful for his service."

Offering Good Nutrition Even on the Road

GCF Board member, Chef Hans Rueffert, offers a special recipe segment from his recent trip to Ecuador. Along with wonderful scenes from local markets, he guides us through a tasty dish you could serve up on any holiday vacation or in the backyard.

Hans will be back early next year with more recipes and tips from nutrition experts to help gastric cancer patients, their families and friends enjoy nutritious, savory and delicious meals.

As a gastric cancer survivor, Hans has experimented with recipes over the years to find alternatives to essential proteins and other ingredients easy on the gut. Give these recipes in our series a try and post a photo on social media tagging @GastricCancerFoundation on Facebook and @GastricCancerFD on twitter - show us how it turned out!

In Memoriam: Candace Netzer

It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Candace Netzer, wife of Board member, Jeff Netzer, from Texas. Candace, mother of two teenagers, left us at the end of November after a courageous three and a half year battle with gastric cancer. Throughout her illness, Candace worked hard to raise public awareness and support the search for a cure for everyone who is touched by this disease. As Jeff noted, "She is sorely missed but we are comforted in the stories of how she impacted the lives of so many."

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