In the Press...

The award, presented by Melani Vincelli, leader of the foundation’s New Jersey South Chapter and a 16-year stomach cancer survivor, highlights Smith’s unwavering efforts to advance research and secure critical funding for the disease.

“I cannot thank you enough for your years of advocacy for stomach cancer research,” said Vincelli, who credited Smith’s leadership for making a difference in the fight against this aggressive illness. “Your continued support makes it possible to have more stories like mine.”

In his acceptance speech, Smith praised Debbie’s Dream Foundation for its relentless advocacy, which brought more than 150 members to Capitol Hill to raise awareness and push for increased research funding.

“I want to thank you for your tireless efforts to secure critical research to help combat this unforgiving and swift-moving cancer,” Smith said. “We can and must do more to identify and understand risk factors and address the noted uptick in diagnosis among young people.”

PHOTO: Melani Vincelli (right) a resident of the Fourth Congressional District and Debbie’s Dream Foundation Board Secretary and the Chapter Leader for the N.J South Chapter, and Andrea Eidelman (left), Exec. Director, welcome Smith to their Feb. 26 event.

As a longtime champion of healthcare initiatives, Smith has played a key role in maintaining stomach cancer’s inclusion in the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) at the Department of Defense, ensuring sustained federal investment into understanding risk factors, early detection, and treatment advancements.

Stomach cancer remains one of the deadliest and most under-researched cancers, ranking as the fourth most common cancer in men and seventh among women. It is considered a recalcitrant cancer, meaning it has a low survival rate—just 36% over five years—due to its tendency to be diagnosed at an advanced stage.

In 2025, an estimated 30,300 Americans will be diagnosed with stomach cancer, and 10,780 will die from the disease, underscoring the urgent need for increased research and early detection efforts.

Smith has also emphasized the heightened risk of stomach cancer among veterans and active-duty service members. Research suggests that up to one-fourth of U.S. veterans may be at risk of chronic infection from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium responsible for the majority of stomach cancer cases.

Having lost his own father—a combat veteran—to stomach cancer, Smith has been a leading advocate for funding studies on the connection between military service and the disease. His work aims to better understand risk factors and develop preventative measures to stop premalignant tumors from becoming malignant.

“I am committed to working with you all to ensure that PRCRP receives continued federal support for its work to better understand, test for, and treat stomach cancer,” Smith said.

The Debbie’s Dream Foundation was founded in 2009 by Debbie Zelman, who was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer and dedicated her life to advocating for research, education, and patient support. Since its inception, the organization has played a crucial role in advancing awareness and securing federal funding for stomach cancer research.

With Smith’s continued leadership, advocates hope to see increased investment in early detection, improved treatment options, and ultimately, a higher survival rate for those battling this devastating disease.

This article was published on March 9, 2025 and can be found online at: