Today, we’re launching a special campaign to raise $8,000—enough to provide Team Summer gifts for every child on a very special list. We have a first at Team Summer: a single child nominated 13 kids all at once!
That child is Dominick.
Dominick is six years old, autistic, and nonverbal. Though he doesn’t communicate with words, his actions have spoken volumes: he wants to help other kids with cancer. And for a kid like Dominick, reaching out like this is HUGE!
Dominick is battling cancer himself. In early 2022, his family began noticing troubling symptoms: he stopped eating and drinking, became increasingly fatigued, and his stomach became painfully distended. After waking up one night crying and inconsolable, his parents took him to the ER. It was there that doctors discovered a tumor. The diagnosis: neuroblastoma. Dominick’s life changed in an instant.
He was plunged into cancer-world—subjected to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. On top of it all, Dominick’s autism and nonverbal status added another layer of complexity. It’s often difficult for him to fully grasp what’s happening, making an already overwhelming situation even harder.
At first, it looked like the treatments were working. But in the fall of 2024, doctors discovered a new tumor in his abdomen. Dominick was back to square one, facing another long road filled with procedures, medications, and hospital stays.
Then, Team Summer kid Sara Beth (a five-year-old battling brain cancer) nominated him to become a Team Summer kid!
Sara Beth surprised him with a Jungle Jumparoo—a special jumping toy that had been a favorite of Dominick’s during physical therapy sessions!
Dominick absolutely loved his gift! And now it was his turn to find another child to help. At Team Summer, we always tell our kids they can nominate as many kids as they want. And it’s not unusual for them to have someone in mind right away. Maybe two. But Dominick? Turns out this autistic, nonverbal kid had 13 kids in mind!
We find it remarkable that a child with Dominick’s communication and connection challenges wants to reach out to all these kids who are suffering the way he is. That kind of interaction could be a game-changer for Dominick as he struggles through all he is enduring.
But here’s the hard truth: we simply do not have the budget to fund this all at once. Not with everything else we have going on. That’s why we are coming to you to help fund this special mission. Can you pitch in?
We promise to keep you up to date as your donations allow Dominick to work through his list… and you will see the joy your generosity has created! Let’s do this!
