Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Champion Stomach Cancer Awareness in South Florida

Florida firm partners with Debbie's Dream Foundation to drive research, advocacy, and patient support for stomach cancer nationwide.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Chalik & Chalik Injury & Accident Lawyers, a Florida-based personal injury law firm, has expanded its partnership with Debbie's Dream Foundation, a leading stomach cancer non-profit organization. The firm's founders, Jason and Debi Chalik, have a longstanding commitment to supporting the foundation's mission to drive research, advocacy, and patient resources for stomach cancer, a disease that affects 21,000 Americans annually but receives limited federal funding.

Why it matters

Stomach cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, yet it receives a fraction of the research funding allocated to more well-known cancers. Chalik & Chalik's partnership with Debbie's Dream Foundation helps raise awareness and direct critical resources to this underserved area of cancer research and patient support.

The details

Debbie Zelman, a stomach cancer survivor, founded Debbie's Dream Foundation in 2009 and has grown it into one of the most active cancer research advocates in the country. Through the foundation's Patient Resource Education Program (PREP), patients and families are connected with dedicated mentors who guide them through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery - a support structure that the Chaliks have witnessed firsthand through their involvement. Since its inception, Debbie's Dream Foundation has driven $2.6 million in stomach cancer research grants and secured over $47 million in Department of Defense funding for the disease.

  • Chalik & Chalik Injury & Accident Lawyers has partnered with Debbie's Dream Foundation since 2003.
  • The firm announced an expanded partnership with the foundation for 2026.

The players

Chalik & Chalik Injury & Accident Lawyers

A Florida-based personal injury law firm that has focused solely on personal injury cases since 1995, recovering multiple seven-figure settlements and verdicts while delivering compassionate representation to clients throughout the state.

Debbie's Dream Foundation

A non-profit organization founded in 2009 by stomach cancer survivor Debbie Zelman that drives research, advocacy, and patient support for stomach cancer, a disease that affects 21,000 Americans annually but receives limited federal funding.

Jason Chalik

Partner at Chalik & Chalik Injury & Accident Lawyers who has served on Debbie's Dream Foundation's board of directors and co-chaired the Dream Makers Gala committee.

Debi Chalik

Partner at Chalik & Chalik Injury & Accident Lawyers who has contributed to Debbie's Dream Foundation's mission.

Debbie Zelman

Founder of Debbie's Dream Foundation and a stomach cancer survivor who has built the organization into one of the most active cancer research advocates in the country.

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What they’re saying

“Debi and I take everything personally. To us, it's not just a job. We don't stop thinking about our cases when we go home at night. I think that makes us better.”

— Jason Chalik, Partner, Chalik & Chalik Injury & Accident Lawyers (prnewswire.com)

“We are so in awe of Debbie Zelman and how she has fought this fight. She is making a difference and we are proud to be a small part of it.”

— Jason Chalik, Partner, Chalik & Chalik Injury & Accident Lawyers (prnewswire.com)

What’s next

Chalik & Chalik Injury & Accident Lawyers will continue to support Debbie's Dream Foundation's efforts to drive stomach cancer research, advocacy, and patient support throughout 2026 and beyond.

The takeaway

Chalik & Chalik Injury & Accident Lawyers' longstanding partnership with Debbie's Dream Foundation demonstrates how a Florida-based law firm can leverage its resources and community connections to make a meaningful impact on a national health issue like stomach cancer that disproportionately affects underserved populations.