By Cindy Christy Fertsch
As a community, it is our responsibility to take care of one another and reciprocate love, support, and encouragement. When one of the area’s biggest givers needs help, South Jersey does what we do best – we come together to uplift one of our own.
Dean Randazzo, New Jersey’s most accomplished professional surfer and founder of the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation, has been offering support to individuals and families navigating cancer diagnoses for more than 20 years.
Randazzo has been the driving force behind the 501c3 organization that has provided South Jersey families with more than a million dollars to help mitigate the financial burdens of a cancer diagnosis.
As a young surfer, Dean was diagnosed with cancer at the height of his career in 2001. At the time, he understood that he was fortunate to have an insurance plan that would lighten the financial load for the journey ahead, knowing that many others did not have the same peace of mind.
“It’s important that people deal with the illness first, not finances,” said Randazzo. Without hesitation, Randazzo created an avenue that would help others in need by creating the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation (DRCF) in 2001.
For over 20 years, he has continued to host events and raise money for families facing cancer. This year has been particularly difficult for Randazzo, as he has faced eight hospital stays and major surgery. With the community changemaker in need of rest and recovery, the community jumped in to help. A GoFundMe account in support of Randazzo raised over $50,000 in a short period of time.
It is said that “The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” Proverbs 11:25.
That has certainly been the case for Randazzo, with an outpouring of love from his community, family, and friends.
Shore Local caught up with Randazzo to get his response to this support and an update on how he is feeling.
Shore Local: How does it feel to see the huge response to the GoFundMe page along with the outpouring of love and support?
Randazzo: It’s been absolutely amazing to see the outpouring of love and support, concerns, words of encouragement, and prayers. Words can’t say how grateful and appreciative I am! Going through the treatments and being in and out of the hospital so much over the past year, things tend to get very lonely. So to see this overwhelming outpouring of support has really filled my heart with so much love knowing there are so many people out there that truly care!
Shore Local: How are you feeling physically?
Randazzo: Not great. I’ve been anemic and lack energy. I’ve lost over 35 pounds, and I’m frail and weak. I haven’t really had a chance to recover as of yet. I got shingles right after getting out of the hospital for the last time, and it debilitated me for over three months. I’ve just recently been feeling a little bit more energetic, so I’m ready to start my physical therapy and the road to recovery.
Shore Local: What motivates you to continue fighting to recover?
Randazzo: My family, I’ve got my two boys, Dean Jr., and Chayton, to be here for. I also feel like I’m carrying a flag for other people going through cancer. There are people out there that are inspired by me, and I can’t give up, or they might give up, and I won’t allow that!
Shore Local: Will the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation continue its mission?
Randazzo: Absolutely, the DRCF is going strong. Look out for the Paddle for a Cause in June and our annual Surf for a Cause in September.
If you would like to learn more or make a donation, please click the link below: GoFundMe for Dean Randazzo
Shore Local joins the community in wishing Dean Randazzo a speedy and full recovery.
