“The local organization with a mission to provide hope through financial assistance, wellness services and patient support has doubled their employee count as of September 1, 2026. With only one employee for twelve of the sixteen years since inception, the grassroots nonprofit now employs two individuals: Co-Founder & Cancer Survivor David Caldarella and Managing Director Danielle Corso.”
Over the past five weeks, I have found myself in countless beautiful conversations about David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. Some of these conversations were with people who have been part of the organization since the beginning, others were with those who have recently invested themselves in our mission of hope, and some were just introduced to the work we do for families affected by a cancer diagnosis. I took the opportunity to inquire about our public persona, and many shared that our visibility in the community supported the assumption of an organization with at least ten paid employees and a steady stream of unlimited funding.
The simple fact is that one person has been at the helm of DDBCF for twelve of nearly sixteen years. This person has always had invaluable support from our volunteer Board Of Trustees, Advisory Council, Patient Advocates, Emerging Leaders, Wellness Partners, Event Committees and Dreamers (a fond reference to dedicated friends & family), however it was just one person solely responsible for making sure that the mission was fulfilled every day for 75% of the foundation’s existence. That person is David Caldarella.
David has been a shining beacon of hope for 3,588 families affected by a cancer diagnosis, as well as to countless others who sought him out for support as a mentor, advocate or associate. He has lived and breathed all things David’s Dream & Believe since 2011, and all things community for much longer.
This past September, I accepted the role of Managing Director to provide support for a grassroots organization that has infused over $3.5M into the New Jersey community through direct patient giving. These funds have been raised through consistent community support because we make good on the promise to send checks straight to families in need. We do not have big corporate sponsorships or substantial grants in the coffers – individual donors and small business contributions have made this possible. If you’ve ever supported DDBCF, please know you have made the difference of a lifetime.
I am honored & humbled to serve alongside David on this journey, to play even a small role in the life changing impact of DDBCF, to be in the company of those who insist on making a difference, and to fully invest myself in the mission that has been upheld with the love of so many in the Garden State & beyond.
Please take a moment to learn more about David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation, consider making a donation, ask me how you can get involved, or simply share our mission. Each of these actions mean more than you will ever know.
Dream & Believe,
Managing Director
Photo: Michael John Murphy, Island Gala, 2017 (pictured left to right: Danielle Corso, David Caldarella, Emerging Leader Sophia Beyer)
