Hi my name is Lisa, please read my cousins story. On December 27, 2021, Dominic was diagnosed with a rare and fatal disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. A parents worst nightmare, Fabio and Susan hearts were crushed as they learned about this disease and how it would affect their 4 year old son. The questions, the hurt, the not knowing was so overwhelming and heartbreaking to say the least.

For those of you who are not familiar with this disease, Duchenne affects 1 in 3,500 children, but mostly young boys. DMD is a muscle wasting disease with severe symptoms in early childhood. This is caused by loss-of-function mutations, most commonly deletions, within the DMD gene. Dominic has the deletion of Exon 50. Duchenne affects all the muscles of the body, starting with the legs and arms, before it attacks the muscles of the heart and lungs. This disease takes away the ability to walk, run, jump, the use of their arms and hands. Eventually they are unable to move at all. The majority of kids lose the ability to walk between the ages of 8 and 12, with some happening much sooner. This disease is robbing their life. While strides are being made and we continue to gain more knowledge and awareness of treatment and how to care for our boys, still most kids will not see their 30th birthday.

Dominic is the definition of happy! He always has a smile on his face. He is smart, funny, kind, and lovable! He is the best little brother to his sister Lana and loves spending time with his family. Giving hugs is his specialty! He loves music, as soon as he hears a beat he is dancing. He loves school and is always curious to learn something new. He is one amazing little boy and truly lights up a room. We will do whatever it takes to fight for him and give him the best life.

Dominic has a strict routine compared to a normal 4 year old. He takes vitamins, supplements and steroids daily/weekly. He wears nights splints every night to bed. Doctor Appointments that last all day, with blood draws, MRI’s, testing, bone scans, physical/speech therapies. This is so much for a little boy to deal with and Dominic never complains. He makes his parents so proud with all the change he takes in.

Having to watch a child go through something like this is gut wrenching. Not knowing what decision to make as a parent is a struggle. Dominic is so young he does not know yet what the future holds. So as parents, Fabio and Susan try to hold on to now to get through the next day. Watching Dominic smile, laugh, play with his sister and just taking in all the moments they have today is a blessing.

This Go Fund Me Page is to help pay for Dominic’s medical expenses, treatments and the extra care and equipment he will need for his future. Fabio and Susan just want the best care for their son for the years to come as this disease progresses. We can’t lose hope or faith for a cure or a breakthrough for treatment. Please donate. Any donation big or small helps. If you are not in the position to do so, please share. Spreading awareness for this disease is very important. Thank you for reading their story and following Dominic’s journey.