Thanks for a job well done

One of the many benefits of starting an organization like the Gastric Cancer Fund is that you connect with people you would have never met otherwise and they amaze you with tremendous acts of generosity and kindness. Just over a month ago, I was contacted by Ali Mann, a friend of Ashley Silverston. Ashley’s father, Jan Silverston, was a remarkable and unforgettable man who had recently lost his battle against gastric cancer. In his memory and honor, Ashley’s friends – Ali, Jamie Glastein, Jessica Victor, and Jessica Roitman – organized a benefit in New York City on August 24th to raise money for the Gastric Cancer Fund.

A beautiful evening was shared by over 200 guests including Jan’s wife Cindy, children Jason and Ashley, and many of their friends and extended family. Everyone at the event contributed money towards the GCF in memory of Jan and in honor of the great man that he was. The benefit generated $8,500 in onsite and online donations and the event organizers are hoping to make this an annual event.

I’d like to personally thank Ali, Jamie, Jessica V. and Jessica R. for all their work on the event and to Jan’s family for their willingness to share the proceeds of this event with our organization. You all did an amazing job of honoring Jan’s life and legacy and helping to fight this terrible disease so that others will not have to experience the same loss. To see pictures from the event, please visit our Facebook fan page.

While we are on the topic of events, I also want to let folks in Atlanta know about an event that gastric cancer survivor and GCF board member Hans Rueffert is hosting tomorrow, September 29th, at PRIME in Atlanta. Hans will be signing copies of his cookbook, “Eat Like There's No Tomorrow,” and donating 25% off all book sales to our organization. In addition, the owners at PRIME will donate 10% of all dinner tickets to GCF. If you are in or near Atlanta tomorrow, please make an effort to show up. For more information, please click here.

Be well,

JP