David Caldarella is a survivor of stage IV Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and the co-founder of David's Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation. This nonprofit organization is on a mission to raise funds to provide financial assistance, services and hope to families affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Caldarella was diagnosed on April 20, 2010, at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, New Jersey. A tonsillectomy removed the tumorous growth on his right tonsil and a biopsy concluded that aggressive cancer cells had spread through the right side of his neck, throat and lymph nodes.

For further treatments, Caldarella turned to The Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, where doctors removed 72 lymph nodes and a tumor the size of an egg from the right side of his neck - later performing their tenth ever robotic throat surgery to excise any additional cancerous cells.

Caldarella endured six-and-a-half weeks of radiation and seven weeks of chemotherapy, experiencing severe burns, rashes, nausea, dehydration, kidney stones and bronchitis along the way. Since he could not swallow, he lost 65 pounds and finally had to have a feeding tube surgically placed in his stomach for four months.

After numerous surgeries, procedures and 10 weeks of physical therapy, Caldarella became cancer free on Nov. 11, 2010. He credits TJUH for their amazing work and attentive care, calling his decision to receive treatment there "the greatest decision early on in my diagnosis."

Caldarella said, "My faith, family and friends never left my side and I never gave up. I read something during my battle: 'Kindness is the shadow of God in man.' Those beautiful shadows were never more present than during my battle with cancer. That same kindness, generosity of spirit, faith, hope and love are the core beliefs that will be utilized by our foundation.”

The foundation has transformed itself into “a beacon of hope” for the families supported by David’s Dream & Believe and in speaking with Caldarella, he revealed that "this is not about him, it is about them," referencing the patients that he is able to help - the number of which has been growing by the year.

Dawn Aversa's 19-month-old daughter, Elena, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, or cancer of the soft connective tissue. Dawn is forever grateful to Caldarella and the foundation, saying that "The cheque he had for us provided financial relief during the most difficult time in our lives. Though it was his hope that had my heart pounding out of my chest. David's Dream and Believe is a beacon of hope, and David Caldarella is the driving force behind that beacon."

Starting in May, David's Dream and Believe is hosting a multitude of events, and volunteers are always encouraged! Support for this cause is necessary in order for it to grow and in order for Caldarella to keep helping as many families as possible. More testimonials and videos can be found at http://davidsdreamandbelieve.org/, where you can also donate and shop! Caldarella is an amazing person, with an incredible heart, and an uplifting goal. With our support, we can help others overcome cancer.