Love for Domenic

In April 2017, my uncle Domenic Galeno was diagnosed with a very rare and highly aggressive skin cancer: Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Although the mean age for diagnosis in men is 74 years and predominantly affects those with lighter skin, Domenic is just 62 with an olive complexion (don’t let his accent fool you; though raised in Ireland he is 100% Italian). The role of patient is new for Domenic, who has spent over 25 years supporting my mother’s sister, Karen, who has multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, over the years I witnessed Domenic treat my late Nana as wonderfully as his own mother (or “Mutter,” as he called her), welcoming her to live in his home where she spent her final days in comfort.


Despite the fact that Domenic is receiving world-class care at Dana Farber, his cancer has progressed to Stage 4. The original lesion was on his leg but the cancer has since spread to his sacrum. I find it hard to believe myself, because he looks as good as he always has. He  has already undergone surgery and two rounds of radiation and is currently receiving biweekly immunotherapy. While Domenic maintains a positive attitude, there is no denying that this disease is draining his  health…and savings. He has not been able to return to his position at Pratt-Whitney (he's an assembler of airplane engines) since he was diagnosed, and bills are amassing. Already he and Karen have put thousands of miles on their car making the 140 mile round-trip to the hospital for appointments and treatments. It all adds up. What makes this twist of fate even more cruel is that Domenic has always been extremely prudent about all matters, from money to health and everything in between. 

 

Domenic, Karen, and their two children Jillian and Michael have not wanted to ask for nor accept financial help. However, I’ve pushed them to allow me to start this fundraiser because I believe strongly that we can promote health through stress relief. Further, as Ann Patchett said, “Shame should be reserved for the things we choose to do, not the circumstances that life puts on us.”

 

Would you consider making a donation so that perhaps Domenic will need to reach in his wallet one less time, whether it be to pay for parking at Dana Farber, gas to get there, lunch, groceries, co-pays, utilities, home repairs, or medical bills?

 

On behalf of the Galeno family, thank you in advance for your generosity and compassion.