NSFC History & Milestones

The Founder’s Story

Greg and Brian Chelcun
Greg Chelcun (right) and his son Brian in 2007.

Karen Chelcun Schreiber, the founder of No Stomach For Cancer (NSFC), was first touched by gastric cancer in 1982 when her mother, Elaine Kuck Chelcun, died at age 52. Karen was impacted again in 2007 when her brother Greg was diagnosed with Stage IV gastric cancer at age 56. He passed away on February 8, 2009, leaving behind his wife Cindy and his children, Brian and Johanna.

Greg’s diagnosis led Karen to investigate whether genetics might have played a role in the re-appearance of gastric cancer in their family. She discovered a research paper on a cancer syndrome, sometimes caused by a mutation of the CDH1 gene. Through self-referral for genetic testing, the Chelcun family learned they shared a rare genetic cancer syndrome: Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC).

Many members of the Chelcun family underwent total prophylactic gastrectomies – and in each case, post-surgical testing revealed the presence of undetected cancer in their stomachs. These Chelcun family members owe their lives to those who study HDGC and spread awareness about the importance of genetic testing.

NSFC: The Early Efforts

Kia Kaha Wrist Bands

The Chelcun family designed a solidarity wristband to share with friends and family portraying the words Kia Kaha, meaning, “Be strong in the face of challenge” or “stand strong” in the language of the Maori people of New Zealand, where HDGC was first identified. The phrase “Be Strong Hearted” became a source of strength.

By July 2008, the Chelcuns recognized the need for expanded stomach cancer education, awareness, and research funds. They spearheaded the Be Strong Hearted Campaign of the Chelcun Family Fund for Stomach Cancer Research, a fundraising effort within the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. BeStrongHearted.org, the first version of the NSFC website, was launched to become a resource for people affected by stomach cancer.

NSFC is Established

No Stomach for Cancer

The Be Strong Hearted campaign and website received worldwide attention, and it became clear that to make a real difference, it was time to move beyond the Chelcun family. It was time to establish a nonprofit organization with broad public support and governance. Accordingly, No Stomach For Cancer, Inc. (NSFC) was founded in September 2009.

NSFC immediately took on international fundraising for stomach cancer research, providing stomach cancer resources and supporting families worldwide affected by stomach cancer. By September 2010, the Internal Revenue Service recognized No Stomach For Cancer, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

In the years ahead, NFSC will continue working toward its mission: to support research and unite the caring power of people worldwide affected by stomach cancer.

Dedication

We lovingly dedicate our mission to Elaine Kuck Chelcun, Greg Chelcun, and to all the families around the world who have lost their lives and their loved ones to stomach cancer.

Organization Milestones

June-November 2021

  • NSFC creates the International Alliance for Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer Research.
  • NSFC begins production of a first-of-its-kind stomach cancer documentary film.

December 2020

  • NSFC launches a direct-to-consumer genetic testing and counseling partnership with Genome Medical to expedite access to personalized genetic care — including genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes associated with gastric cancer.

May-November 2019

  • NSFC Sponsors HDGC Clinical Guidelines International Meeting in Wanaka, New Zealand.
  • NSFC celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary of helping stomach cancer patients around the world.
  • NSFC funds $232,000 in grants to MD Anderson, University of Otago, NCCN, ClinGen, and University of Melbourne for stomach cancer research, education, and programs to improve patient outcomes. This is the largest grant total the organization has funded and coincides with its tenth anniversary.

December 2018

  • NSFC launches the Global Gastric Cancer Registry.

June-November 2017

  • Hosted 7th Spotlight on Stomach Cancer at City of Hope
  • Awarded $130,000 in research grants to Dana Farber, University of Melbourne, and University of Porto.
  • NSFC celebrates the eighth annual Stomach Cancer Awareness Month®.

November 2015

  • Hosted 4th Spotlight on Gastric Cancer at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
  • Co-sponsored first-ever NCCN Guidelines for Patients with Stomach Cancer
  • NSFC celebrates the sixth annual Stomach Cancer Awareness Month®.

May 2015

  • NSFC awards a $29,000 research grant.

July 2014

  • NSFC awards $100,000 in stomach cancer research grants.

May 2013

  • NSFC awards $20,000 in stomach cancer research grants.

December 2012

  • NSFC awards its first research grant of $10,000.

November 2012

  • The first annual No Stomach For Cancer® Walk occurs. Participants from more than 34 states and 10 countries raise over $35,000 for stomach cancer research.

September 28, 2010

  • 111TH CONGRESS, 2D SESSION S. RES. 655, Designating November 2010 as ‘‘Stomach Cancer Awareness Month’’ and supporting efforts to educate the public about stomach cancer. Senate Resolution 655 passes, establishing November as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month®.

September 2010

  • NSFC initiatives encourage Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) to introduce a Senate resolution for Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) co-sponsors the resolution.

September 2010

  • NSFC’s Scientific Advisory Board is established.

August 2010

  • NSFC receives 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service.

May 2010

  • A new logo design and the tagline “Supporting Research. Empowering Families.” are introduced.

November 2009

  • The Chelcun Family Funds are transferred to NSFC, establishing a restricted fund for research funding. In addition, an endowment fund is established at the Madison Community Foundation.

September 2009

  • A new corporation, No Stomach For Cancer, Inc. (NSFC), is established.

August 2008

  • The Be Strong Hearted stomach cancer awareness website launched.

July 2008

  • The Chelcun family begins raising money for stomach cancer research and establishes the Chelcun Family Fund for Stomach Cancer Research at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin.

July 2008

  • The Chelcun family begins raising awareness for stomach cancer, sharing medical news, and Kia Kaha / Be Strong Hearted wristbands at their family reunion.

March 2008

  • The Chelcun family learns they are affected by Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) caused by a CDH1 gene mutation.

September 2007

  • Elaine’s son, Greg Chelcun, is diagnosed with stomach cancer at age 56.

December 1982

  • Elaine Chelcun dies at age 52 from unspecified stomach cancer.