Proskauer plays a key role in improving research and treatment for stomach cancer

Jan 20 2010

Proskauer partner Stuart T. Kapp and associate Jordan Wigdor in the firm’s Boca Raton office have played an important role in the quest to improve treatment and research for stomach cancer by securing 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for Debbie’s Dream Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting patients who suffer from stomach cancer and providing financial support for research of new treatments.

“The firm’s involvement on all fronts has been invaluable.”

Debbie’s Dream was founded in April 2009 by Debbie Zelman, a Fort Lauderdale lawyer, wife and mother of three young children, after she was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer. With approximately 20,000 new cases each year, stomach cancer is a relatively uncommon disease in the U.S. As such, there is comparatively little money spent on research and few options available for those afflicted. Debbie’s Dream seeks to: fund research into innovative, progressive and cutting-edge treatments for stomach cancer; encourage the sharing of information among industry leaders; inform patients of treatment options; and educate patients about clinical trials.

“With assistance from Proskauer, Debbie’s Dream obtained its 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service extremely quickly, allowing us to turn our attention to our core mission,” said Ms. Zelman. “The firm’s involvement on all fronts has been invaluable.”

“Debbie is a courageous and inspirational person who has turned a devastating diagnosis into an initiative with life-changing potential for thousands of people who previously did not have a place to turn,” said Mr. Kapp. “Proskauer’s pro bono program is designed specifically to help organizations just like this play an important role in the betterment of society and improving the welfare of people, and we are proud to commit ourselves to supporting Debbie’s Dream.”

In 2009, Proskauer logged more than 65,000 pro bono hours and has received several awards for its efforts. In addition to Debbie’s Dream, the firm’s recent pro bono work has included: the Iraqi Human Rights Project, helping more than 100 Iraqi families find safety in the U.S.; creating the Special Needs Tax Credit Alliance, Inc., a Florida non-profit organization that helps families with special needs children receive a $5,000 refundable tax credit to help cover the costs associated with caring for their children; and the Southern District of New York’s Criminal Justice Act panel, which led to the dismissal of a case against an FBI agent who was falsely accused of a crime.

Source: Proskauer