An Inspirational Life

Though all eight South Florida philanthropists who posed for the cover of Lifestyle at C&I Studio in November 2016 looked resplendent in their black high-season dresses, something about Debbie Zelman couldn’t help but take your breath away.

As a cancer survivor, she defied description. In 2008, at age 40, she was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer. The five-year survival rate for such an aggressive form of that particular disease was 4 percent. One prognosis gave Zelman—a mother to twin 10-year-olds and a 3-year-old at the time—only weeks at live.

“I was a practicing attorney for 16 years; I had my own firm for 10,” Zelman told Lifestyle. “I was used to going, going, going and running a business of my own. Then I was diagnosed—and I was in bed for a year.

“My kids spent a lot of time with me that year, and my son (one of the twins) and I talked about how we could help other people. … I kept meeting more and more people who were diagnosed with stomach cancer—and somehow I became their mentor.”

Zelman, who died Dec. 23 at age 50, became much more than that. As an advocate, she became a champion and a hero. Upon discovering that the stomach cancer community did not have a nonprofit voice, she gave it one in the form of Debbie’s Dream Foundation. In addition to raising awareness and providing education about stomach cancer, where none existed before, the foundation continues to fund specific research, nearly $1 million worth to date.

“There are so many problems in the world, and different groups are all trying to fund their passion,” Zelman said last year. “But everybody has been affected in some way by cancer.”

Zelman, who died at Westside Regional Hospital in Plantation, is survived by her husband, Andrew Guttman, and her children—Zachary and Rachel (now 19), and Sarah (12).

You May Also Like
The Dating Game

What’s it like for South Florida singles seeking meaningful connections in middle age? With perseverance and a sense of humor, love can be found.

Read More
Faces of Change

These six philanthropists are leading the charge to change the world, and not just by writing a check.

Read More
Strategic Investment Helps Drives Growth for Miami-Based No Days Off Premium Water

The brand is currently planning for 2025
launches in retailers across the Southeast as it continues to grow distribution.

Read More
No Days Off
Dine Like a True VIP at Sushi by Bou Wynwood

The restaurant has over 20 locations in the U.S.

Read More
Sushi-by-Bou
Other Posts
A Luxurious Waterfront Estate Awaits in Venetian Isles

The residence in the prestigious Lighthouse Point community is listed for $4.5 million.

Read More
The Art of a Champion

The company is a national leader.

Read More
Champion Specialty Service
Back at the Helm: Let’s Do This!

What’s old is new again.

Read More
Gary Press
A Man With a Plan

Shane Strum embraces his dual role as president and CEO to lead Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare Systems down a bold path for healthcare.For more than three decades, Shane Strum has been a fixture in the healthcare industry, leaving an indelible mark on both the business and operational sides. From lowering the cost of prescription

Read More