In a world that seems to be in turmoil—economically, culturally and politically—there are some bright spots that warm my heart and give me hope for a brighter future.

Such was this past Sunday’s Kick Gastric Cancer in the Gut Walk, organized by the Gribetz family. The community’s support is invaluable. It will help launch a new study, a research collaboration between Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Technion in Israel, to help “kick gastric cancer in the gut.” With your help, this research may usher in a new era of earlier detection and better treatment of gastric cancer, a disease that afflicts thousands of people every year all around the world.

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 gastric cancer almost two years ago. From the very beginning, I fought this awful disease with the tremendous support of my immediate family. The circle of well-wishers, prayers and support grew exponentially, the way a pebble that is thrown into a pond causes ripples that expand in all directions. It was extremely comforting and humbling to see all of you there with me—both physically, at Overpeck Park this past Sunday, and through your notes and calls and messages from the time of my diagnosis—on this journey to Kick Gastric Cancer in the Gut. With the grace of God and with the help of so many talented medical professionals like Dr. David Kelsen, we will be successful in this mission. Your support does so much to help people like me, and in trying to eradicate this insidious disease, you are helping to repair and heal the world—a true act of tikkun olam. Thank you so very much.