Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation

Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation Dean Randazzo, New Jersey’s most successful professional surfer, was stricken with cancer in 2001. He is not alone.

He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and has been battling the disease ever since. His life was profoundly changed by the diagnosis and he has faced many obstacles in undergoing his treatment. It was through Dean’s diagnosis and steadfast determination not to let cancer beat him, that our Foundation was created. With the help of Dean’s friends and family, he created the Dean Randazzo Cancer Fo

undation in 2001. Upon learning of his diagnosis, in the height of his professional surfing career, Dean struggled with whether to tell sponsors about his diagnosis for fear of losing his job – for professional athletes such as Dean earn their income based upon their health and success. After telling his family, and having a conversation with his brother Joe, Dean decided to turn his misfortune into something good. He decided to have a surf contest that would bring awareness to his friends and family in the surfing community about the risks of cancer and how to deal with the possible diagnosis head-on. That summer, at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA to a national media, Dean told the surfing world that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Although some of his fears about losing sponsor’s support became reality, there was also a massive outpouring of support. Dean decided to create a non-profit foundation which would raise funds to promote cancer awareness. He contacted Adam Walcoff who prepared the Articles of Incorporation which was filed on September 5, 2001 and the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation was established. Weeks later, the first “Surf for a Cause” was held September 15, 2001 and was a huge success – raising over $20,000.00! After the event, at a barbeque at Mary Lou’s house, much discussion about the direction the DRCF could take ensued. We realized that the Surf For a Cause would be an annual event, but that there were other events we could promote. Dean had little time to focus on this newest endeavor – he was still battling Round 1 of what would become a 4-round battle with Hodkins Lymphoma II. Over the years, the direction of the DRCF began to take shape. Adam Walcoff became the DRCF’s first non-Randazzo President and the Board of Trustees grew. The number of fundraising events grew as well and the focus of our Mission came to light. We have had some events in the past which we no longer do – like the West Coast Drink for a Cause and the East Coast Event at Game On (complete with Bull-Riding competition). The development of the Freeze for a Cause, Golf for A Cause and Paddle for a Cause have all but assured our financial success. The Surf For A Cause continues to be an annual festival at the beach and has become more of a reunion than a fundraiser. Our mission is to promote and encourage awareness about the risks of cancer and to provide assistance to victims of cancer battling the disease. We are a New Jersey Non-Profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible. More than 90% of our funds raised go directly to the purposes for which we were formed. We are 100% volunteer – there are NO paid DRCF Board Members or employees.
12 years later, Dean has been cancer-free for 4 years and the DRCF has raised and donated over $300,000.00 for our purposes. Not too shabby for a bunch of surfers.

- Adam Walcoff

05/25/2026
Paddle For A Cause Celebrates 20th Anniversary on June 13thVENTNOR CITY, NJ – The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation (DRCF)...
05/23/2026

Paddle For A Cause Celebrates 20th Anniversary on June 13th

VENTNOR CITY, NJ – The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation (DRCF), fresh off the news of an exciting collaboration with Yards Brewing, is thrilled to announce the return of one of it’s flagship fundraisers, the 20th anniversary Paddle For A Cause, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Ski Beach in Ventnor, NJ.

As one of the DRCF’s two flagship fundraisers, in conjunction with Surf For A Cause held annually in September, this milestone event unites paddlers of all skill levels — from elite athletes to first-time participants — in a powerful display of community and endurance. Racers will set off at 7am on the signature 22.5-mile Paddleboard journey around Absecon Island, with a shorter, beginner-friendly course also available so everyone can join in the effort to support families affected by cancer.

More than a race, Paddle For A Cause promises a full day of celebration! Spectators and participants alike can enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, giveaways, vendors, and a festive waterfront atmosphere throughout the day.

The 2026 event is proudly sponsored by DeSatnick Real Estate, whose ongoing support plays a vital role in making this landmark fundraiser possible.

Since its founding in 2001, the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — has provided essential financial assistance and resources to individuals and families battling cancer. Now in its 20th year, Paddle For A Cause remains one of the Foundation’s most impactful events, channeling community spirit into meaningful, life-changing support.

To register, volunteer, or become a sponsor for this special 20th anniversary event, visit thedrcf.org/paddle.

More than 100 stand-up and prone paddleboarders, in addition to competitors in other types of watercraft including outrigger canoes, surf-skis, kayaks and rowboats, will embark on a over-20-mile journey designed to test competitors mentally and physically similar to someone battling cancer or an 8-m...

Sponsorships are still available for the DRCF Paddle For A Cause. Visit thedrcf.org/paddle to become a sponsor, or to re...
05/21/2026

Sponsorships are still available for the DRCF Paddle For A Cause. Visit thedrcf.org/paddle to become a sponsor, or to register for the Paddle.

We're stoked for the 2026 Paddle For A Cause. Here are some throwback shots from years past! Registration is open at th...
05/17/2026

We're stoked for the 2026 Paddle For A Cause. Here are some throwback shots from years past! Registration is open at thedrcf.org

Sign-up for the 2026 Paddle For A Cause at thedrcf.org
05/14/2026

Sign-up for the 2026 Paddle For A Cause at thedrcf.org

A portion of every case of Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale goes directly to the DRCF to help those battling cancer. And don'...
05/08/2026

A portion of every case of Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale goes directly to the DRCF to help those battling cancer. And don't forget to sign-up for the 2026 Paddle For A Cause. Registration is now live at thedrcf.org.

Register Today for Paddle For A Cause at thedrcf.org
04/21/2026

Register Today for Paddle For A Cause at thedrcf.org

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P. O. Box 149
Somers Point, NJ
08244

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