Manahawkin Cancer Org. CEO Asks To Be Laid Off During Coronavirus

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — The fight against cancer doesn't end during the novel-coronavirus outbreaks, but organizations are feeling the financial effects. As a result, the CEO of David's Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation offered to take a layoff to free up money for the organization.

David Caldarella overcame squamous cell carcinoma, surviving the Stage IV cancer in 2010. He started David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation to provide financial assistance and wellness services for New Jersey families affected by cancer.

But the economic slowdown of the coronavirus hit the organization. All fundraisers for the foreseeable future are canceled or postponed.

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Caldarella wrote a letter to the foundation's board of directors suggesting his immediate layoff. The founder continues working for the foundation in a volunteer capacity while sacrificing his salary.

"I'm so proud of our board of directors for making the tough decisions to ensure an even stronger tomorrow for this foundation and the patients battling a cancer diagnosis who inspire us daily," Caldarella said.

The Sandpaper first reported Caldarella's decision last Wednesday. At the time, the foundation had 51 grant applications that couldn't be filled, and new applications were frozen.

They received several donations since the article, Caldarella told Patch. David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation currently has 47 patient applications waiting for an answer, and new requests remain closed until further notice.

"I have applied for a few grants and waiting to hear back on additional options through the stimulus package," Caldarella said. "Unfortunately, most of these patients and their families are in even worse shape with the combo of cancer and dealing with the national pandemic of COVID-19."

The organization has raised $1,504,493.44 in 10 years for patients. Click here to donate.

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