Meet Our Newest Team Members

A Month of Exciting Additions

...check out our updates below

First, A Message of Thanks From David

Many of you know that my path in life took an abrupt turn in August 2016 when I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. We moved quickly and surrounded ourselves with the right professionals who teamed up to treat me and help me begin the process of moving forward. Today, I am physically doing well and am so thankful to have had such a tremendous group of people around me throughout the process. Though there is a physical element to the recovery, there is also a mental process as well. This can be quite challenging and often can be overlooked or ignored. I have had to personally seek support and find my way as anything involving cancer can be quite scary. At Doc Wayne, we are challenging the norm of therapy, reaching youth in a unique way through sport and I am even more of a believer in alternative therapies now. I sought out therapeutic ad

venture opportunities and have met some extraordinary individuals in the past 12 months. Most recently, I visited Bali with a group of cancer Thrivers.

This was a once in a lifetime experience, traveling across the globe, experiencing a new

culture while also enabling us to push the envelope as we heal and LIVE. We tested the limits canyoneering, hiking and repelling through the jungle amongst water falls facing fears of heights and the unknown, attempted to surf in the Indian Ocean, white water rafted down the Ayung River and snorkeled alongside manta rays. We also had a chance to reflect on our journey by participating in a purification ceremony at a Hindu Temple, exploring Balinese art and culture, along with attending yoga, meditation and healing sessions.

I have been asked about this experience from many people and though it is hard to describe the mix of emotions, words that come to mind are transformative and magical. This trip was special and a once in a lifetime experience. I am energized even more to live each day to its fullest. I am honored to lead such an incredible organization, knowing that we are reaching kids in a unique way.

Thank you for everyone that supported me along the way and know challenging the norm has been so helpful to me in finding my positive path, moving beyond cancer and living life to it's fullest.

Doc Wayne Welcomes New Board Members


Sandee Tisdale PhD, Faculty, Boston College School of Social Work	Susan Wayne Consultant

Friend-Raiser with Sandee Tisdale and Carol Clark

On Friday, November 17th, Doc Wayne and our Board members, Sandee Tisdale and Carol Clark, hosted a friend-raiser event at the Charter Oak Country Club in Hudson! This was a night of fun and learning about our organization, especially through the words of our speaker, Jose Sotz, who inspired and energized the room.

Thank you to both Sandee and Carol for driving this event forward, and thank you to all those who attended this wonderful evening! Your support will allow Doc Wayne to reach more students in need of our program in the region.

Learn more about upcoming ways to support and connect with Doc Wayne below!

Doc Wayne Welcomes Our First Director of Development

We would like to introduce the newest member of our team, Vic Acosta, our first Director of Development. Vic has worked in human services the past 18 years helping people experiencing homelessness as Executive Director of Back on My Feet and people in mental health recovery at the MA Department of Mental Health as a Business Development Director. Along with his extensive business development and entrepreneurial experience he is certified as a Marathon Coach by the American College of Sports Medicine and a Level 1 Triathlon Coach by USA Triathlon. He founded New England's first and largest marathon program for at risk high school students and a triathlon team that works with homeless veterans recovering from PTSD.

Vic is a 26 time marathoner and an Ironman athlete. Since he was 11 he was guided by a NYC sports program that helped him learn and grow in a safe environment. He credits this program for the passions he pursues to this day and he hopes to help DWYS achieve the growth it needs to meet our community's needs.

Help us continue building our impact by following the link below to donate today!

DONATE TODAY

What's Coming Soon?

...take a look and get involved

#GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is only one week from today, on Tuesday, November 28th! This is the largest single day of online giving for nonprofit organizations worldwide.

Last year, Doc Wayne raised over $5,000 in the single day, and we are aiming to do it again! Please join our online campaign by giving, and look for our emails and social media posts that will be going out throughout the day on the 28th.

Your support will help us to reach more students in need of our unique sports-based mental health services. A donation of just $55.00 would allow for a child to attend a sports-based group therapy session.

Coming Soon: 31 Days of Giving

Throughout the month of December, Doc Wayne will be sharing with you 31 Reasons to Give in support of our organization. Our hope is that this can help to provide you with more information on our program and the need for our services, as well as what your impact can be.