Dave Cruthers lost both of his parents to cancer and, as such, has been supportive of many cancer charities. He has participated in several Relays for Life and was the highest fundraiser for Center for Hospice Care’s walk for many consecutive years.

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2020 (something he didn’t have in his 2020 pandemic plans), Dave needed to do something more – a more direct connection to those suffering with cancer.

He was amazed when Bob Davis, president and CEO of Sails Up 4 Cancer, and three-time cancer survivor, stopped him in the Mystic Post Office and asked if he would be interested in serving on the board of SU4C.

Dave has spent most of his career in fundraising for non-profits, but his most recent job was also a repeat of his first job out of college – being back as an interpreter at Mystic Seaport. The pandemic took that position out of circulation. Prior to his second stint at Mystic Seaport, Dave was the Employment and Transportation coordinator for Always Home (2016-2020) and the Associate Director of Development for Pine Point School (2006-2015).

Dave lives in Groton Long Point with his wife, Jak, and their mixed-breed dog, Sassy. Dave and Jak have two grown children, William and Elizabeth.

SU4C is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research in the education, prevention and cure for all types of cancer through the art and enjoyment of sailing.

For more information, visit SU4C.org.

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