Last month, our 13-year-old son, Dominic, was full of life—starting 7th grade, excited for all that was ahead, and enjoying everything he loves. He had just been elected to ASB, was a straight-A student at Placerita Junior High, and loved playing quarterback on his flag football teams as well as performing in theatre productions. On Sundays, you’d find him serving as an ambassador at Higher Vision Church, always ready with a smile or an encouraging word. Dominic has always had a special light about him—the kind of joy, kindness, and faith that lifts everyone around him.

It began when Dominic complained of vertigo and feeling off balance. Soon after, he started having morning headaches and occasional nausea. We noticed he was more tired, losing weight, and that his balance was steadily worsening. What we first thought might be something minor quickly turned into every parent’s worst nightmare when we heard the words no family ever wants to hear: brain cancer. Dominic was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer that requires both radiation and chemotherapy.

Since that moment, our days have been filled with hospital rooms, prayers, and a kind of faith we’ve never had to lean on so deeply before. Dominic has already endured two major brain surgeries to remove his tumor, as well as an additional procedure to treat hydrocephalus. The strength and courage he’s shown through it all have been nothing short of inspiring. Even on the hardest days, he still finds ways to smile, crack jokes with the nurses, and remind us that God is still good.

Dominic was initially hospitalized at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) for three weeks following his first brain surgery and is now receiving ongoing treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee. While St. Jude covers many medical and housing costs during treatment, there are still significant expenses that fall outside of what’s covered: initial medical bills, travel, car rentals, food, and the special nutrition Dominic needs during recovery and treatment.

Kayla, his mom, has made the difficult decision to step away from her job to care for Dominic full-time, which means a loss of income for our family. Beyond that, there are ongoing expenses for our younger children, Jordan and Makenzie, including school costs, and the daily needs of keeping our family running while splitting time between states. Friends and family have been stepping in to help care for them, and we’re so grateful for that support. After treatment, Dominic will also need specialized therapies, rehab, and follow-up care to help him fully recover.

So many people have reached out asking how they can help, and we are deeply touched by that love and concern. Financial assistance is one meaningful way to support our family during this time—it allows us to focus on what truly matters most: helping Dominic heal and keeping our family together through it all.

Every donation, no matter the size, is a blessing. Your support, prayers, and love mean more than we can ever express.

We believe with all our hearts that God has great plans for Dominic’s life. His story is far from over, and we trust that through faith and the kindness of others, he will shine even brighter than ever.

Thank you for being part of Team Dominic.