Local hero David Caldarella, known around town for his selfless support and generosity in helping individuals and their loved ones through David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation, recently stood before hundreds of people at the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigator’s sixth annual conference in Atlanta, Ga., where he received the inaugural Hero of Hope award. The national honor recognized the Manahawkin resident as “a person living with cancer who is making an outstanding contribution to his/her community through fundraising or leadership, by serving as a role model to others with cancer, and exuding extraordinary spirit, grace and optimism in the face of adversity.”
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| Photo by Ryan Johnson David Caldarella was diagnosed with cancer at 42 years old. |
Over 50 proposals from across the country were submitted for the honor. Caldarella was one of four nominees to enter the final voting round, which took place online between August and September. More than 10,000 votes were cast over the two-month period, with Caldarella receiving the most.
“More than anything else, this nomination and award means ‘the little engine that could’ known as DDBCF is being recognized on a national level for the ‘IMPACT’ it’s having in the oncology community, and specifically for its’ impact on patients and their families affected by a cancer diagnosis,” Caldarella said.
He was diagnosed with stage IV head and neck cancer five years ago, at 41 years old.
“I was in the best shape of my life and had never smoked,” he recalled. “Beyond the physical, this experience hit me emotionally, socially and financially. It literally changed my life.”
After undergoing several surgeries as well as chemotherapy and radiation, Caldarella was cancer-free eight months later. Throughout his treatment, he spent hours considering how he could use his experience to make a difference.
DDBCF now hosts four fundraising events each year. A gala at the Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club in Beach Haven this August raised a record $100,000. To date, the organization has helped 421 families by providing more than $400,000 in assistance.
A $1,000 grant from AONN will also “go directly into the hands of a deserving family or two battling a cancer diagnosis,” Caldarella stated.
He credited DDBCF’s board of directors, including Kim McCabe Manzella, Tim Hall, Dani Corso, Jill Elsasser, Kristin Panzone and Kelly Powers; the many sponsors and volunteers who continually support the organization; the expanding Generation Dream youth group and their parents; Southern Regional High School’s student group and its teachers; Stockton University, Dr. Ai Zhang and students; and those dealing with cancer as well as anyone who has lost that battle.
“This amazing group of courageous, strong and inspiring souls received that Hero of Hope award with me,” Caldarella stated.
— Kelley Anne Essinger
This article was published in The SandPaper.
This article was published in The SandPaper.
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