Spring Update!

Image of Dr. David Cognetti & “Mr. Caldarella”, Nova vs. G-town January 29, 2011

Hello Everyone,

It has been a very busy couple of months and I wanted to take the opportunity to provide a few updates both personal and with regard to David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation (DD&BCF).  In addition, I am including guidance for upcoming events in June to support DD&BCF.

Personal & Foundation Update

First and foremost, my most recent PETscan results were all clear!

As some of you know, I just returned from a brief trip back to Florida. To say it was just what the doctor ordered would be incredibly understating the importance of my time there. I want to specifically thank my Florida family (Arias, Bruno, Iervolino, Linden) as well as the Scatchard and Brustas family. You all made my return that much more special!

Also, I want to take this opportunity to update you on a few DD&BCF activities surrounding contributions made on behalf of the foundation. As previously blogged, the foundation has provided contributions to 11-year-old Molly Zahner battling osteosarcoma and 2 funds at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH). The most recent contribution was given to 74-years young Rita Gold. Rita showed her support to me during my cancer battle with cards, prayers and love even though she had never met me. Rita was diagnosed with lung cancer this past January. I was able to surprise Rita with a contribution from the foundation to help out during her cancer battle thanks to the generosity of many of you over the past 6 months. Please visit our website and click on the tab Media for pictures of Molly, Rita and my donations to TJUH. You will also find thank you letters under the recognition tab from various TJUH staff.

Honorary Chair Person for 2011 American Cancer Society (ACS) – Relay for Life/Manahawkin

As all of you may know from past updates, I have been designated “Honorary Survivor Chairperson” for the 2011 American Cancer Society (ACS) – Relay for Life in Manahawkin”, NJ on June 3rd& 4th 2011.  I have been asked to provide a brief speech as part of the opening ceremonies to kick off the events on June 3rd at 7:00PM at the Southern Regional High School Track in Manahawkin, NJ.  This is a great honor and I look forward to sharing my thoughts on my experiences over the last year and motivation as a cancer survivor.

As an acknowledgement and appreciation, I have set up teams to participate in the Relay for Life under the David’s Dream & Believe name.  Please join me and the other team members in support of this very special event.  The ACS/Relay requires someone to be on the track for the entire event. My goal is to walk all 12 hours, and I would be so grateful if anyone considered joining me for even just a portion of the time. You will be signed up for the event by simply responding to this email by May 25th. Please list names of all participants. DD&BCF will then enter you on the designated teams.

Ways to Support DD&BCF without Walking

  1. We will all be wearing the DD&BCF T-shirts as a team for the ACS Relay for Life, but you can order a T-shirt and support the fundraising efforts for DD&BCF by providing a donation of $25.00 or more via our website through PayPal or via check sent to: 28 Magnolia Road, Manahawkin NJ 08050.  Please provide your shirt size.
  2. We have arranged for businesses and families to provide financial support and also gain recognition. You can purchase one of two different sized banners to support the teams walking in the Relay for Life event.  A 2’x5’ size for $100.00 or a 3’x6’ size for $150.00.  These banners will be displayed around the track and grounds the night of the event. Your family name, business name or business logo will proudly be displayed on the banner. After the event the banners will be provided back to the family or business to display at their location. We will also be adding a sponsorship page to our website where we will display your name, logo and link to your website for 1 year.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the ACS Relay for Life Event.

DD&BCF Celebration Barbecue

Regardless of whether you are participating in the ACS Relay for Life event or not,
Please join us for a BBQ at 13 Anderson Drive, Spray Beach NJ following the relay event on Saturday June 4th from 11-7 to welcome the summer and catch up with old friends. Please RSVP to this email by May 25th if you will be attending the BBQ and how many people.

I am so excited for all the great things that are happening as we approach the summer of 2011.  The board and I are meeting on a regular basis. I look forward to sharing with you additional updates and plans for the second half of 2011.

I look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Dream and Believe,
David

Walk with me and some friends June 3rd!

David's Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation- Relay for Life

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled & humbled to announce I have been designated “Honorary Survivor Chairperson” for the “2011 American Cancer Society (ACS) – Relay for Life/Manahawkin” (this June 3rd & 4th).   To kickoff the events on June 3rd at 7:00PM, I will deliver a brief speech at the opening ceremony (located at the Southern Regional High School Track in Manahawkin – NJ).

I am also extremely proud to announce that “David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation” (DD&BCF) is raising funds in conjunction with this ACS event.  The local Manahawkin Relay is allowing DD&BCF to accept direct donations with the understanding that all funds raised will be split 50/50 with the Relay.  I/we are asking you to consider participating in one of 3 ways:

  1. Option 1 “Walk”:  Would love for you (your family, friends, co-workers, etc.) to join us in walking at the event.  As mentioned, the Relay kick off/survivor lap is 7:00 PM at the Southern Regional High School track in Manahawkin, NJ.  Your $25 donation made directly to DD&BCF will cover your Relay entry fee, a newly designed DD&BCF t-shirt, (email shirt size to info@davidsdreamandbelieve.org) and you will also get a DD&BCF wristband.  DD&BCF will supply campsite refreshments, snacks & entertainment. The beloved and adored “Sprinkles the Clown” will make another appearance between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
  2. Option 2 “Give”:  We recognize that many already contribute to a number of worthwhile causes, but we are asking you to consider simply making a donation to DD&BCF at this time.  Again, all funds raised directly by DD&BCF will be split 50/50 with the Relay.
  3. Option 3 “Act”:  Since this is DD&BCF’s major fundraiser for 2011, we would love for you to get active and fundraise on our behalf.  We have many creative suggestions on how to do so, but always love hearing about new fun strategies that others come up with! DD&BCF fundraising forms are available on our web site at www.davidsdreamandbelieve.org (Fundraising Tab).  Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers!

Lastly, the ACS/Relay requires someone to be on the track for the entire event. My goal is to walk all 12 hours, and I would be so grateful if anyone considered joining me for even just a portion of the time.  The Opening Ceremony, Survivors Lap & Luminaria Ceremony are all “must-see” events, & the idea behind the Relay is that “cancer never sleeps”.  Together we fought and DEFEATED Stage 4 Cancer – we were an ARMY that also didn’t sleep!  I believe that our faith, hope and love were the cornerstones of my victory, and we intend to bring that same spirit to this event!

2011 ACS/RELAY FOR LIFE  – AGENDA

Friday June 3rd

3PM Campsite Set-Up: David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation will prep & set up campsite. The theme for the Relay is Mardis Gras.

5PM Survivor Dinner: I will be attending the survivor dinner with my parents.

7PM Opening Ceremony: Honorary Survivor Chairperson Speech & Survivor Lap David Caldarella speech during opening ceremonies & the ACS/Relay begins with a Survivors Lap.  This is an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional expression of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays – like those of each individual on the track.

10PM (Nightfall) Luminaria Ceremony: After dark, ACS/Relay honors people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

Please email us the name of someone touched by cancer, or lost loved one that you would like to honor during this ceremony.

11PM Fight Back Ceremony: Lastly, the Fight Back Ceremony is when we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer.

Saturday June 4th

6:30AM Closing Ceremony: Closing ceremony takes place at SRHS track.

Saturday afternoon DD&BCF “Post Relay LBI Beach BBQ” Exact location and time for the BBQ are still being determined, but please stay tuned for details. The Foundation will provide food and refreshments so please think about staying for the afternoon down on L.B.I.

Update on Giving

Dear Family and Friends,

DD&BCF would like to update you on the status of contributions from our initial kick-off party. We have 3 contributions scheduled for the month of March. I’ve been in close contact with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital representatives. Thanks to the generosity of many we’re able to make 2 gift donations to the “Quality of Life Fund” and the “Head and Neck Fund”. The Quality of Life Fund at the Kimmel Cancer Center helps those patients who need special services or financial assistance. Our gift to this fund would help to assure that others receive the same type of great care that I received. The Head and Neck Fund supports research in that area. Jefferson is committed to cutting edge research as well as world-class patient care. Our gift to this fund helps to launch promising new lines of inquiry and keep existing research projects going. The Foundation is pleased to donate to these 2 Jefferson Funds that serve our mission statement.

Our third gift donation will go directly to an individual in our community of friends. Molly is a 6th grader who has been battling osteosarcoma (bone cancer) most of her young life. She is one of 7 children and this has understandably taken a toll on the entire family. Thanks to the very generous donations from our initial event – Molly and her family will be a recipient from the Foundation. We Believe Molly!!!

Thank You,
David Christian Caldarella
President & Cancer Survivor
David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation

Save the date – June 3-4 2011!!!

David's Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation- Relay for Life

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone enjoyed the last blog. I had such a great time at the Villanova game in spite of the loss. However, I have to be honest and say there was a little part of me rooting for Dr. Cognetti’s Hoyas for just 1 game. I saw him for a follow-up this past week and he didn’t let me forget it.

The great news from this past week after seeing almost all of my doctors (Dr. Cognetti, Dr. Axelrod, Dr. Franklin) is that I continue to be cancer free. My Jefferson medical team are extremely happy with my progress. I have 3 more weeks of physical therapy and have finally hit the 150lb mark.

As you know from my last blog, I accepted an invitation to be the honorary survivor chairperson for the Manahawkin Relay For Life. The event takes place June 3rd and 4th.

My parents and I attended the Relay kick-off on Tuesday February 15th where I gave a brief speech. I will be giving another speech at the survivor dinner on June 3rd. The Relay begins at 7pm at the Southern Regional track in Manahawkin and ends at 7am June 4th. It’s my intention to walk for all 12 hours of the Relay.

I’m working on final details with the chairpersons for the Relay For Life, American Cancer Society & David’s Dream & Believe board of directors. However, I want you to reserve the dates now (June 3rd and 4th) because we will be creating a team. You’ve been by my side throughout my battle and I’m asking you to stand with me again. Actually, I’m asking you to walk with me, donate & fundraise. DD&BCF will set up a campsite with food, refreshments & various other fun activities.

Final details coming soon!

Dream & Believe,
David

Foundation Kickoff

David's Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation

David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation kickoff party was a tremendous success, and a special thanks goes out to Joey’s Pizza & Pasta, Panzones Pizza & the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Department.