Manahawkin Organization Provides Hope for Cancer Patients

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — David Caldarella was told he had cancer on April 20, 2010.

Two days later he met with Dr. David M. Cognetti at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia where he learned he had Stage IV squamous cell carcinoma. After a couple of surgeries, Caldarella started six and a half weeks of radiation therapy and seven weeks of chemotherapy infusion treatments.

The sessions lasted 30 minutes for five days a week where the chemo infusions stretched for four hours for one day of the week. The tumor that was removed from the right side of his neck was the size of an egg, Caldarella said.

On Nov. 11, 2010, Caldarella officially became a Stage IV cancer survivor. He attributes his faith, family and friends for his successful battle with cancer. In August that year, Caldarella co-founded David's Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation because of his own personal diagnosis. The nonprofit raises funds for New Jersey families affected by cancer, provides wellness services and most of all hope.

According to Caldarella, the foundation sends a check to families for anything that might be a financial burden to them such as housing, utilities and the cost of food. It is Caldarella's belief that patients and families are the focus of the foundation's work. The Foundation works closely with wellness services provided by Ocean Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, Body in Mind Massage Institute and the Living Acupuncture & Healing Arts Center.

"We're grateful for the support we have received over the past nine years that has allowed us to provide hope to over 1,500 families," Caldarella said. "We look forward to 2020 in our 10th year to continue to work with individuals and businesses to support New Jersey patients and their families diagnosed with cancer."

"Shave the Date" will be held Friday, Nov. 29. The "Movember Movement" will be at The Arlington restaurant from 4 to 9 p.m. The fundraiser is geared to raise awareness for male patients battling cancer.

All proceeds support male patients through David's Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. To get involved, you can sign up as an individual or in a group or make a donation. In addition, you can get a trim or buzz of your hair and facial hair.

The "Hope Under the Sea" will take place March 14. The third-annual event will be held at the Adventure Aquarium on the Camden waterfront.

"We're excited to bring our ambassadors and community together this Friday for our annual pop-up barber shop at the Arlington and are looking forward to launching into 2020 with 'Hope Under the Sea' in March," executive director Danielle Corso said.

According to davidsdreamandbelieve.org, over 1,500 families have been aided by the Foundation with over $1.3 million being raised.

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