Daniele Caldarola

I’m going the distance to get moving to reach my goal for the month of 1500 kms solo. That’s 50 kms a day. Minimum 9 and a half hours a day for 30 days straight. Rain hail or shine.

I have a strong emotional connection to this cause as Dr Chris O’Brien put my Nonno Cesare D’Angelo the Italian Barber and Dolores Stephens story in his book. They  both had a laryngectomy surgery which is removal of the voice box. Dr Chris O’Brien was moved to see my Nonno Cesare comfort Dolores as she was emotionally frightened to go through with the operation. This was on the show RPA Hospital back in the 90s. I will put the quote from the book below.

I will be walking for Nonno Cesare, Dolores and Dr Chris O’Brien.

They are all missed immensely.

O'Brien recounts in his book the experience of Dolores Stephens, who consented to a larygectomy - removal of the voice box. In hospital she met a "cheerful Italian barber" Cesar D'Angelo, whose larygectomy was completed and who conveyed support for Dolores through scribbled notes and mutually manufactured sign language. Ahead of the operation, Dolores succumbed to the emotional strain and wept. "I came into the room just as her comrade, Cesar, came to her aid and, weeping himself, took her in his arms and cradled her chest against his chest," O'Brien wrote. "They cried their tears together - hers of resignation and, probably, terror; his of affectionate sympathy and sadness for his friend and perhaps for his own changed state and new voiceless life.

All donations will help Chris O’Brien Lifehouse continue to provide compassionate, research-driven cancer care, as well as holistic support services for people with cancer.

Every kilometre counts, can I count on you?