Help Dominic Slay Cancer

My sister Michelle and her husband Rui received shocking and devastating news that their youngest child has cancer. Dominic Verissimo is 14 years old and was diagnosed with high risk T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  Dominic’s leukemia presented as significant swelling of his lymph nodes through out his body which was first discovered on June 19. This led to a whirlwind of doctors appointments, tests and a biopsy in the weeks following; which ultimately led to my nephew being admitted to Boston Children’s Hospital on July 23 (with just barely a 24 hr notice). Since then, Dominic has received an intense 32 day course of induction chemotherapy for his fast growing and aggressive cancer. Unfortunately, this current hospitalization has been prolonged due to the development of several complications. Once stabilized, he will also be receiving cancer treatment through Dana Farber Cancer Institute on a Phase 3 clinical trial. The clinical trial qualification was based off of his high risk status and the benefit of participating in this trial would be a decrease of side effects, while still curing him of Leukemia. 

I want to emphasize that Dominic’s medical team is confident that he will be cured. We couldn’t be more grateful to God for that prognosis. However, he has a very long battle ahead of him. Treatment for ALL is a minimum of 2 years. This will consist of multiple inpatient stays at Boston Children’s Hospital; frequent outpatient visits to Dana Farber; as well as continuous treatment at home. Dominic will continue to undergo blood and platelet transfusions; countless blood draws; and other diagnostic tests such as bone marrow biopsies, spinal taps, CT scans and X-rays. Two years of treatment is the best case scenario if everything goes perfectly with his treatment course. No serious side effects, infections, or complications can delay treatment, which as of now, has already happened. Also, there is chance of relapse given Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and because of his high risk status.

Despite the seriousness and unpredictability of his illness, Dominic has handled the side effects of these medicines, ongoing challenges and multiple medical procedures with admirable strength and grace. He’s been dubbed the Cancer Slayer!  However, cancer and the treatment to combat it leaves the body battered and vulnerable. He misses home, his dogs, his siblings, family and friends. He forgets what it feels like to be a normal teenage kid. Dominic is entering 9th grade and cancer will affect his ability to start high school with his peers and  stripped him of the opportunity to play sports. The next two years will take a lot of strength, positivity and resilience. Mostly by Dominic, as he’s the one fighting this battle. However, cancer impacts the whole family, especially Dominic’s parents. It has been an unimaginable heartbreak for Michelle & Rui as they watch helplessly as their child fights cancer. They’re also trying to cope with the impact of the financial strain that this diagnosis has caused. Their insurance doesn’t cover everything 100% and there is a very high deductible. To make matters worse, the care he receives from Dana Farber is considered out-of-network and currently is not covered. They are fighting this and trying to get an exemption for partial coverage. If it does not get approved, they will either pay 100% of the costs out-of-pocket or have to consider care elsewhere; which would jeopardize Dominic’s treatment under the clinical trial with Dana Farber. In addition to mounting out-of-pocket medical expenses, everyday life and household expenses will continue to occur. The donations to this fund will directly aid the financial aspects of Dominic’s treatment course along with other necessities, as the Verissimo’s deal with this cancer diagnosis.

Dominic battling Leukemia is still surreal. One thing is for certain, no matter how dark some of the bad days on this journey may be, we will bask in the light of the good ones as a family. It is not easy for Michelle and Rui to share the pain and vulnerability of this experience, but it is with grateful hearts that they continue to humbly accept the outpouring of love, prayers and support extended to Dominic, themselves and their other 2 sons and daughter during this time.

Thank you for taking the time to read this in its entirety. Your support will be received with immense gratitude and will immediately help my nephew and family with his day to day fight against Leukemia.

With much appreciation,

Krista