Our family is asking for help to lay my Son Damian Dado, 15 years old, to rest. As his father, I can say Damian was the best child I could ever hope for—more than a “good kid.” He was kind, considerate, and grateful. He noticed people. He said “thank you,” “yes ma’am,” held doors, and made friends feel included. He brought laughter with him everywhere.

After noticing bouts of extreme fatigue, I took him to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Tests confirmed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We started chemotherapy one week later. Hearing a survival range of 50–75% was crushing, but when you love someone that much, you pray and choose hope. At first, the chemo seemed to work. By the end of week three, the team was talking about discharge. Then, just before he could come home, a sudden infection attacked his organs. The doctors tried everything, but complications led to organ failure. Damian passed surrounded by love.

We’re planning a simple, dignified burial at Forest Lawn – Covina Hills. We’re aiming for Saturday, October 25, 2025, with Saturday, November 1, 2025 as a backup date. We’ll confirm after our meeting and final details on Saturday, October 18, 2025 and then post the exact date, time, and location here so family and friends can gather to honor his young life.

To honor Damian with the farewell he deserves, we expect total costs between $35,000 and $40,000 for the mortuary and cemetery needs—the burial; the plot with required endowment care; a vault/outer liner; a headstone and the required setting fee; transportation from hospital to mortuary and cemetery; permits and certified death certificates; and service essentials (chapel/venue, staff, vehicles, printed programs, and flowers). Our goal of $38,000 includes processing fees so we can pay everything in full.

We know the timeline is short and we may not reach the goal—and that’s okay. We’re reaching out to every assistance resource we can, and we’ll share what we learn to help other families who face something similar.

This has shown us how expensive and complicated this process is, and I’ll share a simple checklist and helpful contacts so other parents can be more prepared.

Damian was an aspiring student-athlete at Fontana High School. He had just made the JV football team and kept excellent grades. To those who knew him, he was a loving grandson, son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. We believe he’s in heaven, still cheering us on to be our best.

If you’re able, please donate or share this page. Your kindness helps us give Damian a loving, dignified goodbye. Thank you for your prayers and support.

With gratitude,

The Dado Family & Friends

*** UPDATE***

Update: Service Date & Deep Thanks

We’re humbled to share that, thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $21,000 of our $30,000 goal. This past weekend we met with Forest Lawn Memorial-Park (West Covina) and signed the burial paperwork.

As you may Imagine this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do—accepting that I am going to bury my own child. I haven’t slept much. But knowing that Damian will have a proper memorial because of you guys has made this thing a littler less painful.

From the bottom of our hearts: THANK YOU. Whether you gave a dime or said a prayer, shared the link or sent a message— YOU showed up for our family. Your kindness is not just covering bills; it’s carrying us. We will be reading your names and messages to our family so Damian’s send-off is wrapped in the same love you’ve shown us.

Damian’s memorial and burial will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM. We’ll share reception details in the coming days. As promised, we’re also compiling a simple checklist of assistance resources so other families facing the unthinkable can find help faster.

With gratitude and all the love we have,

Andrew Dado & Family