Dominic old soul, easy to talk to- VERY personable. He radiates love and kindness. He loves to sing, laugh at the show Impractical Jokers and watch Comedy Central. Dom is a gamer and a real tech lover- all teens are though! He is 18 and has fought bravely for years, going through more in these few years than anyone should ever have too in one lifetime. Though he is ill, he ALWAYS makes it a point to take care of others- like his brother or friends.
In the fall of 2011, he was experiencing pain, weight loss and no appetite. He was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma. Dom had both chemo and radiation, case studies, 2 limb salvages, biopsies etc.. We are struggling to find ourselves now that his diagnosis has turned into a very serious and very rapid moving illness. Dominic has been terminal for years- suffering more than five relapses. Recently, it went to his spine and in more than ten areas. Chemo is either making him sick or is not working. Radiation stopped helping now too. We are trying to cope with the fact that hospice is now having to be introduced though we have put it off for as long as possible. Between stress, heartache and financial issues- the list of struggles are quite lengthy.
I have had to stop working due to increasing stress, anxiety and began having panic attacks. Over the years my husband has lost jobs or changed schedules due to everything. My husband and I have recently separated due to increased stress factors surrounding attempting to plan for prom, graduation and funeral all for the same child. We lost a daughter in 2012 and now they say we are tentatively weeks out from losing my boy. They said he will be lucky to see graduation, which has been his goal since diagnosis.
Dom inspires others to see the beauty in each day and takes no one or nothing for granted. He truly is the epitome of strength and anyone that knows him can go on and on about how no matter what type of day he has, he is always looking to make someone else smile.
Hope session by Melinda Roth Photography.
Blessed to report: Dom made
His high school graduation and still is here with us today- his sheer will to live and fight day in and day out this beast known as cancer- he is and always will be mamas hero! The days have got rough for my beautiful boy lately and as a parent to watch- it’s a very helpless position.. I always tell him that I wish I could just change him places and I hope he knows I would in a second!
That’s one of those times where he just shakes his head with a smile, while saying- “I wouldn’t let you mom, I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.” Medications aren’t an option anymore (not that those worked anyhow) so we just utilize inner strength and natural remedies as able, these coupled with a whole lot of love and count each day as time not promised and know each moment is truly a gift..
Just a day or so ago, I was asking Dominic if he was afraid… He says “no mom, I know I will be okay.” Literally feeling my heart break my only reply is, “baby, I hope so.” Without so much as missing a beat he flashes that gorgeous grin and reassures me saying “don’t hope mom- you need to believe!”
Someone once said that we learn more from our children than they ever do from us- I know now what that truly means. Dominic is and always has been such an optiomistic person and we would not have it any other way- while some perhaps would say it’s a form of denial, I look at it as a sign of courage.
No matter the end of Doms journey- we are truthfully able to say that hands down, no matter what, “cancer did not win!” The triumph is in the smile of the fighter, the sheer will to battle though the prognosis is grim. Standing up to something that is deemed bigger and stronger than yourself, especially for a child… That honestly takes strength and bravery- that my friends is winning
Our hearts are with you and Dom. Thank you for the update.
Dom!!!! We love you so much!! I’ve only really gotten to know you senior year in Mr.Drysols class but you arensuch an amazing, funny, and strong person who I looked up to pretty much everyday ❤️ Your one of the toughest people I know and god has truly blessed me to be able to have the opportunity to be your friend. ❤️❤️
Praying for you and your family. May God strengthen and comfort you as he brings you close. May he reveal his power and glory in you and through. As a mother of 3 my heart goes out to you, Blessings.
DearDominic,
Our heart is heavy now, as we had to say Good bye to you on Saturday morning.
We, your nurses, doctors in CHOC OPI were the lucky ones to have you for so many weeks to care for you with love.
OPI became your second home. When You came to see us always asked with a sweet smile how our day had been, as we were the ones who had to be so strong.
You knew you were genuinely loved by all of us. Your beautiful smile, kindness and love for us will stay in our hearts forever.
You, the beautiful boy with blue eyes will always be remembered with tender heart.
Monday will be difficult for us as we know we will not see you in OPI any more.
You have made all of us better persons. You have carried this tremendous burden of the disease with so much courage, grace and quiet acceptance .You had a deep commitment and determination and worked hard on getting better. You have inspired us to keep searching for solutions and find ways to make it easier for you. We believed in the impossible with you with a guarded heart. We celebrated together when you felt better and we became quiet and sad seeing how difficult Life became for you.
You have enriched the lives of so many.
Your love will stay in our hearts, and will help your Mom, Debby, your beloved Grandma,your uncle Mardy, who was at your side day and night, helping you so gently, your little brothers , your friend Andrew and your Dad , your loving family.
I know you stay here around them, will watch over your family and help them in their journey.
We had the honor to meet your beautiful girlfriend, Michelle. This Magical Love gave you the strength to believe you can get through this difficult path and that Love was truly the gift of your Life , soothing all the pain .
When the time was here, You waited for the morning Light to come and then you left quietly, gently, leaving all the suffering and pain behind,
Our hearts are heavy , we miss you so tremendously.
We will take this morning Light into our hearts and You will always be there,
We will never forget You, Dear Dominic.
With Love forever, Dr Horvath