While we have been busy with other Team Summer gifts, we wanted to keep you up to date on Dominick’s list! As you might recall, Dominick surprised us recently with a list of 13 kids whom he wanted to nominate – pretty amazing gesture given that Dominick is autistic and nonverbal. Your special donations are making it possible to get these gifts done as quickly as they come together!
Last week, Dominick surprised another kid on his list – and it was a moment packed with pure joy and BIG fun!
KID #2 – Holly
Meet Holly – a 5-year-old from North Carolina.
Back in February, Holly started feeling unusually tired. She looked pale, and her belly began to swell. At first, her doctor suspected a virus or maybe constipation – nothing too serious – and started her on medication. But when things didn’t improve, scans were ordered… and that’s when they discovered a large mass in her abdomen. A biopsy brought the news no parent ever wants to hear: Holly had cancer – lymphoma.
Since her diagnosis, Holly has bravely faced six rounds of intense chemotherapy. Her treatment has been tough, and she’s had to spend a lot of time in isolation. It’s kept her away from a lot of the things kids love – no preschool, no playdates, and not much room for fun.
That’s when Dominick stepped in!
The two kids first connected through their moms, who met while both Dominick and Holly were in the hospital. Because Holly had to stay in isolation, she and Dominick never met in person.
With Holly finally going to be discharged from the hospital, it was time to plan her Team Summer gift – something to welcome her home. One theme that kept coming up was PLAY. Holly had missed out on so much of it. And Dominick wanted to go BIG!
So, the other week, Dominick and Holly finally met – over Zoom!
What Holly didn’t know was that a huge surprise was waiting outside her house. As Holly’s parents followed her with the camera into the backyard, Dominick got to watch as Holly saw her Team Summer gift for the first time: a giant inflatable water slide!
It was fully set up and ready to go. Good thing her parents had dressed her in a bathing suit “just in case” – because Holly took off running and jumped right in! It was the perfect welcome home – full of splashes, giggles, and the kind of fun every 5-year-old deserves.
Thanks to all of you, Dominick got to give Holly more than just a gift – he gave her joy, freedom, and the reminder that she’s not alone in this fight. And that is what Team Summer is all about.
Stay tuned… because Dominick’s not done yet! Not by a long shot!
Team Summer, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
