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Dear ,
We are excited to share some updates on our 3rd annual Spotlight on Gastric Cancer Event on Saturday, May 14th at Johns Hopkins University's Kimmel Cancer Center Albert Owens Auditorium in Baltimore, Maryland. We are happy to announce that Hans Rueffert,
a finalis
t on the
Next Food Network Star will be a guest speaker at this year's event.
In July of 2005, just 2 weeks after taping the finale for the Next Food Network Star, Hans was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The irony that a chef would contract stomach cancer was not lost on him or his physicians. The cancer was diagnosed as stage three and they removed half of his stomach and half of his esophagus.
Hans weighed 214 pounds the day of his first surgery and has since lost over
65 pounds.
As of his last biopsy, he is now cancer free. Rueffert states, "My life moving forward will be filled with more biopsies, blood work, CT Scans, and Dr. consults...a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things. Though I wouldn't wish the disease on anyone, I will say that my experience with it has heightened my appreciation of life, love, family, and of course, food. If I can offer up one piece of advice, it would simply be this: Never take anything for granted. Never."
Hans Rueffert, other patients and caregivers will share their stories in a diverse and enlightening program that should not be missed.
Please make plans to join us for this FREE event at Johns Hopkins on May 14. Be sure to reach o
ut to family and friends who may want to attend too.
There will be two portions of the Spotlight event. During the day, we will have the educational component of the program that includes presentations by medical professionals and those impacted by stomach cancer. Following the event, we will be hosting an informal evening social gathering - A Night of Healing - that will take place at the Days Inn Inner Harbor at 7:30 p.m. It will be an opportunity to talk with others - caregivers, patients, survivors, supporters - who have been impacted by this disease.
For those who are flying, the airport closest to Johns Hopkins is Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport. We know that the No Stomach For Cancer community is close-knit but widespread and this is a great opportunity for many who have never met to connect in person for this worthwhile event.
If you are unable to attend, but still would like to support this important event, please consider making a donation to help fund future events. No matter how small the contribution, every dollar matters, and allows us to continue our mission. You can make a donation
here.
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