Together, You Can Shape Our Next Chapter
Esophageal cancer diagnoses are rising, and increasingly affecting younger adults. Alongside this urgent challenge, our reach, our research support, and our community are expanding too. We are undergoing an evolution, broadening our footprint to ensure that the next chapter of this mission is powered by people who care deeply about a world free of esophageal cancer. Progress isn’t just something we hope for; it’s something we build together. As we look ahead to next year, we are asking you to join us.
Your Donation Will Shape ECAN's Future
Esophageal cancer diagnoses are rising, particularly among younger patients. We aren't standing still, we are evolving, expanding our reach, and building a community defined by deep care and commitment.
Together, we are moving towards progress, human connection, and the crucial next steps in research, family support, treatment, and recovery.
This holiday season, we will tell the stories of families, patients, and friends who have been impacted by esophageal cancer. Join us, in lifting up our community.
What Your Donation Means at ECAN
23,000
Patients & Families
We increased our number of families and patients supported by 7,000 community members! We are honored to be a part of this immense growth that comes from our community advocating and wanting more - more for their friends, family, and patients facing this horrible disease.
44
Applications for Research Funding
Our advocacy team worked hard to increase interest this year for researchers to apply for esophageal cancer research funding. And, we are proud that we successfully increased pre-applications from 22 to 44 this year – nearly double! These 44 research opportunities will compete for grants from a $160 million federally allocated sum. To put that in perspective, our community previously advocated successfully for more than $20 million over a five-year span.
20
Grassroots Leaders
Thanks to more than 20 mobilized grassroots leaders, we successfully advocated to secure our funding allocation with the federal government again for FY27! A major win for our esophageal cancer patients!
The Next Generation of Advocates
Emma's Story: A Journey of All Ages
"...losing my dad has been the hardest experience of my life, it has inspired me to help others. I want to honor his memory by turning something so painful into something meaningful. If my project helps even one person recognize the symptoms early or inspires someone to support research, then I know I have made a difference."
- Emma W., 13 years old
Stu Weissman, Emma's Dad, died last year from Esophageal Cancer. In his honor, she has raised over $11,000 for her bat mitzvah. We are so honored to share Stu's story. Emma's story. And, all stories of our community member and why our support matters now more than ever.