The Seal Beach Police Department launched a limited-edition “Go Gold” challenge coin fundraiser on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to raise awareness of childhood cancer and support children and families affected by the disease.
Five-hundred coins will be available for $20 each while supplies last.
At the conclusion of the campaign, proceeds will be divided equally between Choke Cancer and Rady Children’s Health Orange County, formerly known as Children’s Hospital of Orange County. The fundraiser grew from the experience of a local Seal Beach family. John Cantale, owner of Calypso Juice & Vitamins on Main Street, founded the nonprofit Choke Cancer after his son, Dino, was diagnosed with brain cancer at just 3 years old.
Dino was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer, and spent nearly 10 consecutive months in the hospital receiving treatment. After returning home, Dino was in remission for approximately nine months before his cancer was discovered again when he was 5 years old. He then underwent another year of treatment, this time without an extended hospitalization. Dino completed treatment in July 2025 and has now been in remission for approximately one year.
During Dino’s first period of remission, John and his family began thinking about what they had experienced and the many other families facing similar circumstances. That experience led to the creation of Choke Cancer, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of childhood cancer and helping families know they are not facing the disease alone.
“We are fortunate that Dino was able to make it through such a horrific time,” Cantale said. “What we learned throughout this experience is that other families need help and support. That is how Choke Cancer was born.”
The coin incorporates the gold ribbon, the internationally recognized symbol of childhood cancer awareness, along with artwork recognizing the local roots of the campaign. The Seal Beach Police League covered the initial cost of producing the coins.
“Dino’s story is one of tremendous strength, and this campaign gives our community an opportunity to support children and families facing childhood cancer while helping raise awareness of an issue that affects thousands of families every year,” said Chief of Police Michael Henderson.
Coins may be purchased for $20 at the following locations:
•SBPD lobby, 911 Seal Beach Blvd., open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Calypso Juice & Vitamins, 330 Main St., Seal Beach, open Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Online through the Seal Beach Police League website: https://sealbeachpoliceleague.com/