ECAN is an outstanding advocate for patients at risk or who have esophageal cancer. It is one of the fastest rising cancers with minimal survival rates once diagnosed in later stages. ECAN not only serves as a stellar patient advocacy organization but is at the forefront of educating physicians and patients about the latest innovation that might prevent this deadly disease.
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ECAN is an outstanding organization hitting its stride with a cancer that is rapidly rising without a cure. The timing for ECAN is perfect as innovation to prevent esophageal cancer is thriving and needs an advocacy organization. It has been a pleasure to serve an organization of such high claiber.
This organization was very helpful during my wife’s fight (8 year survivor) with esophageal cancer. The information and support they provided was extremely helpful. We are very grateful for ECAN.
As a caregiver for my wife they have been instrumental in providing information and support throughout a long and difficult journey.
When my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, (EC) the bottom fell out of my world. I was so distraught that it was hard to try and pull together information that would help us make crucial decisions. I heard about ECAN from someone else fighting EC and found it to be extraordinarily helpful with a huge amount of well organized information. Equally important, it helped us connect with others facing EC, a rare cancer. It helped sustain me as my husband’s disease worsened. After he passed away, it was incredibly helpful in giving me a way to help others facing this horrible disease, volunteering to support efforts to find cures, and meeting others who have faced the devastating consequences of EC. Mindy, the president of ECAN is so kind, caring , and powerfully effective in helping all of us turn the worst experience of our lives into a fight to make sure others don’t have that experience. This is a rare resource that has an enormous impact.
I have a family member who is high risk for developing esophageal cancer. The mission of ECAN is close to my heart. Their efforts to educate the public about the relationship between GERD and esophageal cancer, as well as their efforts to obtain funding for research into detection and cures is making an important difference in the lives of so many.
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Network (ECAN) is a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for research funding, and providing education about esophageal cancer. ECAN empowers patients, survivors, and their families by offering resources that promote early detection and support during treatment and recovery. Through their advocacy efforts, they strive to make life-saving diagnostic tools more accessible and to influence policies that improve patient outcomes. ECAN's commitment to spreading knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and prevention equips individuals with the information they need to take proactive steps in their health journey. Their work fosters hope and builds a strong, informed community determined to combat esophageal cancer together.
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This nonprofit is doing an amazing job of creating awareness of esophageal cancer. I had little knowledge of this cancer or how you could get it until I was diagnosed with it at 46. I wish I had known about it earlier. ECAN is trying to not only create awareness, but trying to help promote research into this cancer so no one has to suffer getting it and no one has to lose a loved to this horrible cancer. It has been a good network for me, and I will continue to support them.
Ive had an issue with barrets esophagus and am very sensitiver to the need for people to pay attention to heartburn. Esophageal cancer is very deadly but not that hard to manage if caught early enough. ECAN is making a real difference in helping people be alert.
For me Ecan is the place where one can access information about oesophageal cancer. For my family it has been a place where one can get all the new technologies available to help patients find the answers to navigate in helping all with this terrible disease.
Nicole
ECAN is a wonderful site I’ve used numerous times to find information about Esophageal Cancer symptoms, causes, learn more about this cancer, understand new treatments and in general learn about the community ECAN supports. I lost my husband to Esophageal Cancer in 2021 and have a desire to help others learn more about this cancer and do my part to save others from the same heartache I’ve experienced. ECAN’s site contains a wealth of valuable information, all explained in clear and informative text.
This organization has changed the lives of so many individuals and families who have been impacted by esophageal cancer. The information and resources it provides are invaluable as this is an often overlooked and underfunded type of cancer. I am forever grateful for the knowledge and support of this organization.
I found ECAN shortly after my husband died from Esophageal Cancer. ECAN shared out a local newspapers story on his death. A complete stranger from a different area of the country reached out to give me condolences and from that point I learned of ECAN. Along the way I got involved with volunteering with ECAN in any attempt I could to help keep my husband's fate from befalling another person. In my time volunteering with ECAN, I have come to believe that they are the way forward to help get awareness out to the masses, as well as advocate to Congress for them to fund research. They have fabulous patient resources listed on the ECAN website. I truly wish we knew about them when my husband was sick. They have guided me along the way to help me become a better advocate for people such as my husband Patrick. They have educational pamphlets that I have been able give out as needed. ECAN is an organization I am proud to say I volunteer for.
ECAN is a small and mighty nonprofit. I recently came to ECAN and in full disclosure am a new employee here, but I've worked professionally in nonprofits for 15 years. In the time I've been here, I've seen how dedicated the organization is to serving patients and preventing others from experiencing this disease. Others in the industry as well as our supporters see ECAN as a trusted resource because the mission comes first. Mindy and ECAN have worked for years to make huge strides in esophageal cancer prevention and treatment, and those successes are a testament to the organization's perseverance and commitment to ending this disease and saving more lives. From education and early detection to patient support, ECAN covers a wide range of of services that center patients and provide them with unbiased, useful information.
I first became aware of ECAN over 10 years ago when my late husband Bill was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. I received a brief but sobering education on what we were in for regarding his diagnosis from ECAN. He lost his brave battle after only 9 short months, and our heartbreaking loss spurred me into action and supporting ECAN and bringing awareness about this terrible disease. Last December, I started working at ECAN and it has been an eye-opening experience of everything that ECAN does. ECAN does so much to bring awareness to the prevention of the disease and the link between it and heartburn, advocates to raise funding for research, provides a huge amount of patient support, and has provided a community for those who have won the battle, are still fighting the battle, and for those who have been left behind and honors those that have been lost. It is considered a rare cancer, but it is on the rise, especially with younger people. ECAN's mission is to help save lives and I am extremely proud to be part of the team and to try to help other families from going through what we went through and still live with our loss every day.
I have been involved with ECAN for over 3 years now. This organization has done so many wonderful things, providing tools for people to use to raise awareness, contacting elected officials to make sure that Esophageal Cancer is on the DOD list for research funding, the list goes on and on. It is due to the diligence of the staff and supporters that more people are recognizing the correlation between Barrett's Esophagus, GERD, and Esophageal Cancer.
ECAN is an incredible non-profit with a mission to end terminal Esophageal Cancer diagnoses. ECAN allocates resources to funding research, petitioning for additional funding, and supporting patients and families battling EC. I became aware of ECAN when my dad was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. While he did not survive his fight, the informational resources made available by ECAN helped tremendously in making decisions about his treatment course. Mindy and the team do a great job, and I am excited to support this org for years to come!
No one stumbles upon ECAN or visits for any reason other than desperation. ECAN provides resources and support for patients and their families that find themselves in the grips of terrifying and deadly circumstances. ECAN makes a difference by giving hope and driving funding and research. Esophageal Cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in the world is still among the deadliest, but ECAN is proving that advocacy and science do make meaningful contributions.
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ECAN is passionate. Works hard to support all patients with education, resources, and the fight to secure funding.
Ecan helps people avoid truly awful experiences. We like people and we like the docs that are at the forefront of avoiding this truly avoidable experience
My husband Dave was diagnosed in March of 2021 and passed away April 2022. The ECAN site was very helpful for learning more about this horrible disease. Also being able through them to see how other people are handing the disease. Also to learn about the research that is being done in different areas. It’s really important to know the symptoms of this disease some resemble other things that are less dangerous. This site educates the user to look out for these symptoms.
This group has made amazing progress in both esophageal cancer research and awareness. The dedication and determination is beyond compare,
ECAN was a godsend during my husband's battle with Esophageal Cancer. They offered so much research and education on the disease, which assisted us in making informed decisions. Unfortunately, my husband died after his 4 1/2 year battle, but we will always be grateful for the support of ECAN.
They continue to fund and research treatments for Esophageal cancer, as well as educate families about the link to heartburn. Their hard work and dedication have done so much for the growing Esophageal cancer community!!
I first became associated with ECAN when my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer 6 years ago. They have been an invaluable source of support and knowledge since that time. They continued to support me and countless others since his death. Both awareness and research are promoted through this organization and I am proud to be associated with it.
This organization has been instrumental in advocating for this disease that is not understood by the public and in many cases primary care doctors. ECAN has gotten the attention of Congress and the funding so dearly needed to continue research and hope for a cure. Grassroot advocates like myself have lobbied our members of Congress to allocate money each year for the continued research so desperately needed.
Our Father Dale Swift passed away October 2010 When he has diagnosed with esouphageal cancer we as a family had no idea wht kind of cancer this was. We learned so much from ECAN and have been proud to be partof the ECAN network
Ecan was the forum and place that we needed when navigating options when my husband was diagnosed. Ecan leads the efforts in the push for R&D for the fastest rising cancer and relative low survivability. We need to understand the rise and find better surgical and post operative care solutions. Graphically this cancer type leads in need for support.
I am a 12 year Esophageal Cancer , stage 3, cancer survivor
I was treated at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas
I was one of the lucky ones, most don’t survive from this cancer
I have learned so much more about my disease through Esophageal Cancer Network
My husband of 21 years died from esophageal cancer in 2010 after a nearly 3 year fight. He suffered all his life from chronic and severe heartburn. We had no idea at the time that it caused his cancer. I became aware of it after getting involved with ECAN. The work they do to raise awareness and bring attention to this horrific disease, and to educate on the correlation between esophageal cancer and heartburn has been tireless and important. My life changed drastically when my husband was diagnosed, treated, and ultimately passed. My young daughters lost their hero and I lost the love of my life. ECAN helped me through that difficult journey. I am forever grateful for the information and support of ECAN.
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When my husband of 20+ years was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2008 we were devastated. ECAN offered a multitude of support, information, and guidance. After my husbands passing in 2010 we decided to honor him and help others by fundraising and donating to ECAN. This organization works tirelessly to honor those lost to this horrible disease, educate others if the facts, and raise awareness and funds to support EC research.
I am a two time, esophageal cancer survivor. I am so thankful for ECAN. It is full of resources, helpful information and provides a great sense of comfort. It is a wonderful community filled with so many cancer survivors willing to help and share stories.
I was a surprise cancer case at 47, with none of the typical profile for Esophageal cancer (I was not obese, a smoker, a drinker of hard liquor, a man, older nor had I experienced long-term reflux). My world went into a tailspin. I’m someone who needs to know and understand everything. But I live in Europe, where English was the second language of all my drs, and in a country where the medical mentality is “dr knows best: patient doesn’t need to know”.
ECAN has been the most amazing support over the last 4 years. During treatment I understood not only why we were doing what we were doing, but why I felt (physically) the way I felt. After treatment, the group helped me understand the many physical and emotional steps I would go through as I recovered.
I have been fortunate not to need patient advocacy or help accessing benefits but the work ECAN does here makes an enormous difference.
I can’t think how many lives this wonderful group has touched, but it provides invaluable support to people who -believe me - really need it.
This organization is near answer dear to my heart. They provide wonderful support to esophageal cancer patients and their families. We have helped with a number of fundraisers and events and love the awareness they are bringing to this terrible disease. Mindy Mordecai is a pleasure to work with.
I came in contact with ECAN in the early summer of 2018 right after I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer.
The experience has been nothing short of wonderful.
Mindy helped guide me thru treatment (immunotherapy /chemo / radiation / surgery) at a very difficult time is my life, and continues to do so to this day.
I have offered my support at ECAN in any way that may be needed.
I have donated to ECAN and will continue to do so.
I was asked to join the Board of Directors, and was honored to be voted in unanimously.
ECAN's mission is one that I hold dearly, for I don't want to see anyone go thru what I have since June of 2018. Esophageal cancer can be prevented, and I will continue to get that word out.
Mindy is passionate about ECAN, I've never seen such dedication to an organization in my life.
ECAN provided my family support, education and a chance to connect with other families, caregivers, patients and survivors. ECAN's works to save lives with education and advocacy for access to federal research dollars.
ECAN has been so amazing in resources, educating in latest treatments, as well spreads awareness and educates how Acid Reflux and GERD can lead to cancer. They also do many things to fight for funding which will help bring a cure to so many people. This is desperately needed due to EC being one of fastest growing cancers in US. This safe space brings patients, doctors caregivers, friends and family together to support each other through the many ups and downs with this terrible battle. My son at 25 years old was diagnosed as Stage 4 EC with mets to liver April 1, 2020. We were left with very little hope until my daughter found this group. I was shown so many brave warriors that have made it very far that were in same battle as us. This was the first rays of hope that my eyes and soul were to see that there are survivors. Over the past 7 months this group has been helpful beyond words. Mindy is a amazing soul that I can't say enough words of gratitude or speak high enough to the knowledge resources and inspiration she leaves you with.
Absolutely phenomenal! Amazing people, that truly care! They help shine light on the situation during extremely dark and scary times. I don’t know where my family would be without them.
I lost my mom 5 years ago, November 1, 2015. Since I lost her I’ve wanted to help raise awareness and along my search I found ECAN. They’ve been amazing with helping educate myself, family and friends about this deadly cancer! I keep thinking if we had known more about this cancer before my mom got sick, maybe she would still be here. Everyone at ECAN has been super friendly and helpful.
Once my Dad was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer my family was looking for more information and answers. We came across ECAN and they provided a lot of resources and support. We felt heard and understood by them. ECAN continues to provide as much information on this disease as they can. Early detection is key and they continue to advocate for all of us. We are forever grateful for them and will continue to help in the fight against Esophageal Cancer!
ECAN, you have truly been a godsend to me and my family. I just wished I would have found you sooner! My sweet and beautiful mama passed from EC in April of 2019, since then you have allowed me to make it a point to educate others. To help me realize we are our own biggest advocate. Thank you ECAN for giving me the knowledge needed to confidently educate others that think heartburn is nothing to be concerned about. That not being able to swallow is nothing to be concerned about. That being in pain is nothing to be concerned about. I have helped 3 people get detected early. I realize that isn’t a large number, but those are
3 lives that may not be here today if I wouldn’t have had the confidence and data to push them to get checked, to be their own advocate. If only I had this information when my mom was ill and was misdiagnosed for two years, my story might be different. Thank you for all that you selflessly do to build awareness.
ECAN is the only organization that advocates for current and future EC patients and connects patients with a support network and medical treatment if needed. I'm not sure how lonely, hopeless, and unsupported I would feel living with this rare and deadly cancer if it weren't for Mindy and all the Board Members working so hard to raise funds/awareness and update us on treatment options/detection. They've made a huge difference in getting national cancer research dollars to cover EC. I'm a 7 year survivor/thriver. When I was first diagnosed things looked really grim for us but so much progress has been made in the last few years and I know ECAN had a lot to do with this. I'm very impressed with how much they have done in such a short time.
ECAN has been a link for our family to honor our husband, father and grandfather by staying active in the fight against esophageal cancer. They are an advocate and fighter for those effected. Our family feels connected and part of the fight with ECAN.
I am an 8 year survivor offstage three adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer. Dx 8 August 2012. Pre treatment, surgery and post chemo completed by April 2013. Part of a cancer hospital survivorship program to reach out to new patients. No other associations. I found ECAN on the net and shared my story. Forward to Nov or Dec of 2014. Announcement made by ECAN regarding fundcraiser/ awareness event. Rappelling off Hilton Hotel, Hollywood, Ca. Told ECAN I would be honored to raise funds but wouldn't be able to make the trip. Mindy Mintz Mordecai replied "you raise the funds Steve, we'll send you on the trip". 49 people rapelled. 46 were family or friends of patients. Two of us were survivors and one was a patient in treatment. I was the long term survivor at a bit over two years. The event was an incredibly well orchestrated and successful beacon of light. I was treated like a King and the 360' drop from the roof was incredible. This organization is a remarkable lighthouse in the world of really nasty cancer.
Steve O'Grady
I met Mindy when our husbands had EC. I loved her courage in bringing EC to the forefront, a disease that was hardly known about, and love all the research that is being done by ECAN. I wear the bracelet every day and so does my son. This is a disease that needs to be considered like lung, breast, colon, as it is terminal and very few survive very long after diagnosis. Mindy's foundation is doing amazing work. Thank you, ECAN.
Cyndi
Mindy has been so supportive through my husband s journey suffering from Esophageal Cancer. ECAN is our only hope to raise money for funds
ECAN provides relevant content to educate people on research, treatments,etc. related to esophageal cancer. They are extremely responsive to messages through their Facebook page, and have provided me with information to find doctors in my area who are implementing state of the art procedures I have discovered on their site. I am so thankful that I found them, as their resources have been extremely helpful to me!
I'm writing a review for ECAN. I have had esophageal cancer twice and told my story for others to give them a little hope. I am a survivor of 13 years and hope to continue for my more years.
I was diagnosed with EC in March 2019. It was very scary as my dad died from this disease in 2019. The continual support from Mindy Mintz Mordecai, someone who I have never even met, has been so encouraging and such a comfort! I have had so many setbacks and struggles, but am cancer-free and recovering! EC is an awful disease, unlike any other I have witnessed, but thanks to people like Mindy, there are people working to bring awareness to this awful disease.
This has been awesome. When my dad passed away Mindy was there every step of the way helping us get the word out. They're doing an awesome job and this is a cancer that can't be ignored.
My husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer 8 years ago and we had no idea what we were in for. Our daughter Megan researched and found ECAN. We were thrilled to have accurate and current information at hand. We were told esophageal cancer was a cancer that smokers and drinkers got - but my husband never smoked and only occasionally had a drink. Through ECAN we found out people who had acid reflux could develop cancer and my husband had constant acid reflux. My husband lost his battle with esophageal cancer 18 months ago, but I continue to post ECAN updates on Facebook to help spread the word.
I am a 14 yr stage 4 survivor, I appreciate all that ECAN has done over these years. I only wish a nonprofit existed back in 1998 when I went to a GI doctor with bad heartburn, was told I had GERDS take tums dont worry about. The research was there doctors didn't know. I was stage 3 when diagnosed.
Thank You Keith Solsbury
My dad fought esophageal cancer for 13 brutal months and ECAN was with us every step of the way. They do incredible and much needed work advocating for research for this horrific cancer and also provide a great deal of support to families who are dealing with esophageal cancer. I’m very grateful to ECAN!
My husband has inoperable stage 4 Esophageal Cancer. ECAN has been a great support for us ever since my husband's diagnosis. They go out of their way to send customized info to us, without our even having to ask! From suggesting trials, to telling us about new treatments, they always respond right away and are on top of everything relating to the disease. Their one-on-one personalized support has helped us deal with the tremendous fear that comes with this horrible cancer. ECAN hosts many events to raise awareness for this cancer. I was delighted to learn that because of ECAN's persistent efforts, they were able to get EC recognized for the multi-million dollar Dept. of Defense Cancer Research Program earlier this year! That is huge! I can't speak highly enough about this organization. It is very reassuring to know that ECAN works hard every day to help shed light on this disease, and to support finding new treatments and hopefully a cure. I really appreciate having them in our corner. They are a valuable and necessary organization to have combatting this little-known, but fast increasing cancer! Thank you for all you do ECAN!
Mine is a family deeply affected by esophageal cancer. ECAN has been a greatly appreciated contribution to our ability to understand the nature of this rare cancer. The knowledge is very valuable but difficult to understand without the help of ECAN
ECAN came into our lives unexpectedly when my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer at age 42. We didn’t know where to turn and how to handle this disease and then I found ECAN. They were an amazing support during his treatment and provided education, resources, and comfort during such a difficult time. I can not thank them enough for all they did for us and continue to do for advocacy.
ECAN continues to provide excellent service. Their Heartburn Awareness campaign on line allows me to share vital information to all of my family and friends! SO IMPORTANT! At the same time they keep me abreast of all the latest science surrounding GERD(Heartburn) and Esophageal Cancer! Thank you ECAN for all you do for our community!
HI, my name is, Jason Lee Carmona. over five years ago, I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. I have had very little support from the medical community, however, ECANN and Mindy Muntz Mordichi, have been ablsulotey one hundred percent supportive on our fight "Together" to CURE ALL CANCERS! I am honored and very appreciative to Mindy and the Entire Ecann Family! I know one day "we" will have our victory and celebrate a new life, without the horrible disease, that has been named, "Cancer"!
I have followed ECAN since the beginning. I have reached out many times to ECAN in assistance with writing my governor to declare April Esophageal Cancer Awareness month and they did in CT. Each year I received pamphlets and wrist bands to give out at events. EC stripped my life of everything we should have known and the Awareness was not there. Is why I appreciate ECAN from the bottom of my heart. Thank you
I am an Esophageal Cancer survivor. I became engaged with this organization many years ago. I have not only found it to be knowledgeable with great articles, resources and others that I can interact with but I have been able to share my experiences. I belong to many support and awareness groups and I must confess that I find this group to be the best for me.
ECAN is a great Non profit. It's founder Mindy works non stop to get the word out the "Heartburn can cause cancer" . She is working on legislation to get that slogan put on acid reflux medication. Ecan is making a difference in peoples lives. go to ECAN.org and see some of the great work they do.
I found ECAN as I was googling information on Esophageal Cancer. My then forty-seven-year-old husband had just gotten this devastating diagnosis after months of medical misdiagnosis. I was stunned and confused. I joined and have been contacted personally by several people on the board. They have always been supportive and have been an incredible source of information. My husband now has brain mets, and again, I have been personally contacted and have had studies and resources shared with me. Doctors don't do this. ECAN is the reason that eventually we will have a cure for this awful disease.
ECAN has truly made a difference for EC patients and their families. Helping to secure research funding, fighting for correct labeling on heartburn medications, raising awareness about the real dangers of long term heartburn and the condition called Barrett’s Esophagus. I am thankful for their dedication and only wish my father had lived to be a part of it.
This is a great foundation! Mindy is dedicated at doing her best to raise money for awareness and funding for research. She organizes events well. She is helpful and supportive. She truly understands the cancer because she has dealt with it with her husband. I'm glad I found ECAN!
If you or someone you love has Esophageal cancer ECAN is the place to go for information and support. They will direct you to the place where you can get all kinds of info and support. It's founder and leader started ECAN after losing her husband to this horrendous disease. With a lot of info from ECAN I have been able as a 15 year survivor of EC to share that info and my own experience to help newly diagnosed navigate the world they now are in. Mindy's selfless dedication to ECAN and the awesome group of people she has put together will always be a big part of my continued quest to help others.
Mindy and the team at ECAN are very aggressive at pushing for awareness at the local, state and national level for esophageal cancer. ECAN is not just about awareness/education. Sure, they do that, too. They are mostly about ACTION...not just passively learning about the disease, but lobbying for change, getting involved, reaching out, helping others. ECAN is the best kind of advocacy and nonprofit because they are so well networked at making things happen to stamp out the disease.
ECAN has been instrumental in alerting people to the severe consequences that daily heartburn can come with. I have given several of my friends and family ECAN's materials and it prompted them to get scoped. One had Barrett's Esophagus and had no idea. ECAN could have very well saved his life!
ECAN provides great exceptional work and support for patients and relatives - outstanding and awesome
Professor Björn Brücher
I found ECAN when my 55 year old husband was diagnosed with stage 4 Esophageal Cancer 4 years ago. We had little to no knowledge or facts of this deadly cancer and ECAN became a credible, caring resource of up to date information, directing us to articles, research, therapies and testing that we could bring to our providers in Western New York to discuss. Jim sadly passed away in 2015 and ECAN has become even more important in my life as I feel a responsibility to share ECAN’s tireless message that heartburn can cause cancer and the immediate need for funding, research, earlier and non invasive screenings and treatment is so desperately needed - and ECAN is dedicated to this mission. Their campaign to mandate warnings on acid reflux medications will save lives. Their lobbying and influence to increase Esophageal Cancer funding will save lives. Their collaboration with oncologists and providers, sharing the story of our loved ones will save lives. The President and board of directors of ECAN represent the voice of those who lost their battle to this fast growing, under funded relentless cancer and speak for those diagnosed everyday. I donate to and support ECAN. I share their message of education and prevention to help others understand the risks of Esophageal Cancer. They make it easy through their social media campaigns. ECAN is a wonderful non profit that I will be eternally grateful for.
ECAN is an amazing organization that supports patients with education and resources, and fights to secure funding for research for esophageal cancer.
The Esophageal Cancer Action Network, is a leading source for information and support for people diagnosed with esophageal cancer. As an esophageal cancer survivor; I volunteer with a cancer awareness and assistance group in my community. ECAN has provided us with information and awareness supplies on several occasions. We use these materials at informational presentations and local health fairs to increase knowledge about the risks, early warning signs, and treatment options for esophageal Cancer.
Has accomplished much and saved lives on minimum resources. Could accomplish much more with more support.
I became aware of ECAN in 2010 when a loved one was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. Over time I've seen ECAN grow and I've been amazed at how much they have done with little resources. I'm proud to have joined the the Board of Directors in 2016 and amazed at the passion that every member of ECAN has in the fight against EC. ECAN is an incredible organization and certainly a worthwhile organization to donate to.
Great charity that advocates for a rare cancer that needs more attention. They have done a lot to raise awareness with the little money they have.
My father passed away form esophageal cancer 8 years ago. ECAN has helped me through a great support network as well as a way to help fight back against this terrible disease and educate others about the risks of heartburn.
It was an amazing opportunity for me to get involved with ECAN. I think they are doing a phenomenal job in spreading awareness about esophageal cancer. As a clinician who spends most of his time taking care of patients with esophageal cancer, I wholeheartedly support ECAN’s mission and look forward to working with them!
When my husband was first diagnosed with esophageal cancer, ECAN came to me and helped me through everything -- they anticipated my questions and guided me through every step of the way. They were also with me after he passed away and have continued to show me support throughout the last 6 years. It is my honor to work with them as much as I can.
ECAN has provided posters and pamphlets for my auto business every year for several years now. I put them in our service waiting area. Having those posters there has really gotten me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to talk to people about my experiences with my husband’s GERD and his cancer. I feel like it opens people up to ask questions and talk about their own symptoms with me so I can guide them to seek help. ECAN is always a great online resource for these customers who want extra information. I know we’ve saved lives through these private conversations that all started with a simple poster. I’ve had lots of customers who’ve come back to thank me for talking to them about it, because they’ve sought treatment. Truth is I never would have talked to anyone if I didn’t have great resources from ECAN.
ECAN, and in particular Mindy, has pioneered thought leadership about the risks of heartburn turning into esophageal cancer. ECAN educates through events, a stellar website, networking with related industry professionals (physicians, hospitals, cancer centers, device and pharma companies). ECAN shines a light on how heartburn is not just managed with OTC medications, but should be a red flag for sufferers and their families, despite many in the GI community suggesting it is very low risk. Yet ECAN works hard to save lives by making every life matter. I'm a medical device professional, a Barrett's esophagus patient, and a committed partner to supporting ECAN.
Appreciate how genuine and generous this group is! Truly creates an environment of support, education and advocacy.
This organization is truly committed to raising awareness and keeping its members abreast of the latest developments in treatment options. This is extremely important to me as a survivor of this terrible cancer.
As a four year survivor I joined the board to end this horrific Deadly Cancer.
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ECAN provides information, support, and a listening ear for families who have a loved one afflicted with esophageal cancer. They are dedicated to raising awareness of this awful disease.
I first heard of ECAN when my 65 yo husband, Tom, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2010. He survived just two more years. The saddest part of this is that Tom had suffered for years and years with GERD. It was treated with prescriptions and over the counter medication and other recommendations such as no late meals and keep the head of the bed raised. He was not referred to a gastroenterologist until he had great difficulty swallowing. He went through radiation, chemo, and multiple surgeries and suffered greatly.
ECAN works to educate physicians and other caretakers. ECAN provided us with so much information during the process. They have guides for patients and facts about esophageal cancer. They have a Facebook page that distributes information on research and treatments as they are published. They have worked hard with the FDA to get over the counter medications to carry a warning of heartburn can cause cancer
After Tom’s death I started a small monthly donation in his memory. I also support ECAN by distributing literature every April to many businesses with which I associate. April is support esophageal cancer month. I'm relatively certain my friends and family are very aware of this disease. I continue to tell Tom’s story as a two time cancer survivor myself. I join ACS’s Relay for Life and our daughter’s sorority donates in her father’s memory at every local Relay forLife. It is a wonderful educational organization.
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I make a monthly donation to this organization in memory of my husband. He was diagnosed with Esophageal cancer in 2010. He had radiation, chemo and surgery, but the cancer took his life in 2012. We were married for 46 years. Just today, (3-4-17) our daughter, with tears in her eyes said I wish Dad was still here, I have so much to tell him. I get the word out as often as I can with brochures and social media, in the hopes that another person's life can be saved.
I started at ECAN on August 1, 2016. In that time I've been amazed at how dedicated our volunteers are. I've learned so much in such a small amount of time and am so very lucky to be a part of this organization! Mindy works 24/7 to bring awareness to this awful disease. I may only be part time but my heart is in it full time and am so blessed to work with Mindy. Spread the word: Heartburn Can Cause Cancer!!!
ECAN punches way above it's weight! Such a small organization, with such a small staff, and yet it's been able to accomplish so much. For example, it was able to get esophageal cancer (EC) included in the national genome mapping project, despite initially being turned down. More generally, by raising awareness of the link between GERD/heartburn and EC, and encouraging people to get scoped (an endoscopy) it has literally saved dozens, hundreds, many even thousands of lives. Practically, and more specifically, it has put out a patient guide to help people have an educated conversation with their primary care doctor about EC, especially if they're experiencing GERD/heartburn, so that they just don't leave the doctor's office with a prescription for drugs but are sent to be scoped (if justified). All with one full-time employee and at most 2-3 part-time staff. Go ECAN!
I am a proud ECAN Volunteer and would like to share that the Esophageal Cancer Action Network, Inc. (ECAN) has proven to be a very important part of my Esophageal Cancer journey. I was blessed to meet Mindy Mintz Mordecai, CEO and founder of ECAN in September 2012, just eight months after I was diagnosed with stage IV Esophageal Cancer. After completing successful chemotherapy, I was looking for ways to give back and I found ECAN. With the help of ECAN, I was able to host an amazing Awareness Event/5K called "Paint the Town Periwinkle" in April 2013. The main event was held in Athens, TN and branched out around the world. Working with ECAN has allowed me the ability to create EC Awareness and give hope to others for several years now. I have attended ECAN events each year and I cannot praise Mindy enough for all she does for ECAN - a truly great nonprofit. ECAN is very important to the advocacy, awareness and research of Esophageal Cancer - they are the voice for many - together wECAN make a difference!
- Stacy Alexander
This group is getting the word out. Heartburn can lead to cancer of the esophagus. They are saving lives.
My husband is the patient. ECAN has been Very kind to me, and offered any help I may need.
ECAN saves lives! ECAN continues to meet its mission of raising awareness of early signs of esophageal cancer both among the general population and physicians, supporting medical research, and connecting patients, family and phycians with each other. The tireless efforts of Mindy Mintz Mordecai who has taken her pain and loss and combined it with her talents and passion has sustained ECAN for years. It has taken a local effort nationwide. She takes her passion and sparks the passion of others.
My dad didn't know that the persistent heartburn he had would lead to Esophageal Cancer and eventually his death. I don't want other families to lose someone they love, especially just for lack of knowledge. This is why I support ECAN. Their primary mission is to make people with heartburn aware of the risk for Esophageal Cancer. With a small but very passionate staff, they accomplish many amazing things. They organize events to raise awareness, they provide fliers, posters, and other material (physical and electronic) to help supporters spread the information, and they support those with EC and their families with a community of support and information among many other things. I have been very impressed with the efficiency and passion of this group and its supporters.
ECAN provides life-saving information to the general public and wonderful support to those who have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
ECAN has supported so many people with esophageal cancer in my community. I am excited and encouraged by the work they do nationally to help patients and families. Additionally, their commitment to, and support for research, has an international impact.
Life is Fragile handle with Care. Its about the moments, and having people who care.
When my healthy husband got suddenly sick and was told he had Esophageal Cancer, there was no real group to turn to, and less then 10% of the people survive, the web was full of scary and hopeless information. Now after many battles ECAN has been formed. This small non-profit group , against all odds have made a rare cancer group. "give up" is not in their vocabulary. Now when you wonder what can heart burn lead to, or what is EC you can turn to ECAN for some answers. let's just say "they get it" its about surviving.
ECAN strives tirelessly to meets its mission. Esophageal cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer but its effects are devastating on those diagnosed and their families. Early recognition of heartburn symptoms has the potential to prevent this cancer, yet so many just live with heartburn and do not seek medical attention. ECAN wants to change that by increasing awareness of the link between heartburn and cancer. ECAN is also a valuable resource to those with the disease, their families, and health care providers for information about this cancer.
I support this group because I never want another person to die of this horrible cancer (as my husband did). They make it their mission to disseminate information to folks that have been diagnosed, they sponsor research and give hope to all.
With my husband being a survivor of esophageal cancer we wanted to GIVE BACK! To date we have organized three events in our township with ECAN'S assistance! Together we are raising awareness to this beast!
SPREAD the word... hold an event... save a life!!! THANK YOU ECAN for always being there for US!
When I lost one of my best friends to Esophageal Cancer, it seemed so unfair. He was one of those rare guys who took good care of his health. He was a runner. He was rail thin. Except for the occasional glass of Merlot, he didn't drink. He didn't smoke. Although he was a creative chef, he avoided sugar and fat. Yet, his chronic heartburn had burned the tissue lining his throat, eventually evolving into cancer. Who would have thought something as commonplace as heartburn could lead to cancer?
The Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN) was created shortly after the death of my friend with the goal of spreading the word that heartburn can cause cancer. Since its creation, ECAN has gotten Esophageal Cancer as one of the cancers being investigated under the genome research project. More than two dozen states have passed resolutions recognizing April as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. ECAN produced the first-ever Patient Guide designed to provide information to EC patients and their families as they struggle with this deadly diagnosis. In short, ECAN is making a real difference in the lives of those afflicted with a terrible disease. It deserves our support.
When my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2011, the people from ECAN were with me every step of the way -- from helping me comprehend his diagnosis to assisting me in running fundraisers to raise awareness to actually sitting down & listening to me and holding my hand when I needed it most. They are all caring people who have been through exactly what I've been through --- they UNDERSTAND.
ECAN has done an excellent job at raisng awareness about Esophageal Cancer. I lost my Dad in 2008 and did not know anything about this cancer. Spreading awareness will save lives.
I found the Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN) when my dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2009. They were an exceptional source of information and were determined to get the message out to the public that "Heartburn Can Cause Cancer". Over the years they have saved countless lives by encouraging people who have persistent heartburn to get it checked. Esophageal Cancer is rarely diagnosed early & because of this, is one of the most deadly cancers. If checked early it can be successfully treated. My only wish is that ECAN was around many years earlier, so that my dad & many others could have benefited by ECAN's monumental efforts & strides in promoting awareness, prevention, increased research funding in the area of Esophageal Cancer.
ECAN works hard to get the word out about the causes of EC and the fact that Heartburn Can Cause Cancer. Because this disease is usually detected when it's too late, ECAN informs people of the symptoms and encourages them to get tested. They also work with primary care physicians and specialists to get the word out that the symptoms are not trivial and should be paid attention to. The staff is small but dedicated.
Excellent organization providing a lot of information about Esophageal Cancer. They also have a fun annual fundraiser where people can take dance classes in all types of dance genres.
Review from Guidestar