Saving Dominick

On Tuesday March  8, 2016 a tragic accident occurred.  Dominick (age 5) and his younger brother (Lane 18 months) were playing.  Kevin left them momentarily to use the restroom.  After entering the kitchen he saw Dominick laying on the ground unconscious with a zip lock bag over his head.  He immediately called 911 and began giving his son cpr.  He was unsuccessful, but the paramedics were able to revive him in the ambulance.  He has been at St Johns Children's Hospital in a coma ever since.  The doctors told Kevin that if/when Dominick wakes from the coma, he may have significant brain damage.  We are all hoping and praying for a miracle. 

First and foremost: Be careful with zip lock bags.  Many people keep grocery bags and trash bags away from their children but it isn't often that we think about zip lock bags.  The one gallon zip lock bag will fit right over your childs head.  If  this can happen to Dominick, it can happen to any child.

Kevin is a single father.  He has lived in Illinois for 10 years and has worked doing construction for my business partner, Kathy Tega, for those 10 years.  Kevin recently remodeled a home that Kathy and I purchased.  Dominick would come to work with him on occassion.  That is one of his favorite things do to.  Kevin unfortunately has no family to help, literally.  Kathy is the closest thing to family he has.  He works very hard and Dominick is his world.  He attends all of Dominicks school functions, teacher conference meetings, sports, etc.  He is 100% involved in everything Dominick does.  He is a very good father and a great guy.

Kevin hasn't left Dominick's side since he arrived at the hospital.  And he insists that he will not leave until Dominick wakes up, as no parent would.  Dominick does have health insurance which will help.  However, without working, Kevin will immediately suffer financial hardship.  I am hoping that you would help by donating (small amounts add up) to this family.  Only God knows the outcome of this tragic situation but it would be nice to help Kevin have some peace of mind knowing his bills were ok for the time being. 

Thank You,
Mindy Pusch and Kathy Tega

5/2/16

Dominick has spent the last month at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in Maryland Heights, MO.  This hospital specializes in brain injuries such as Dominicks.  He has different types of therapy throughout the day.  I got to watch his music therapy while I was there.  Kevin still hasn't spent a day away from him.  He spent the first few days getting certified to be able to care for Dominick while he is there.  He is able to do all of the trach care, feeding tube care and , most everything else that the staff can.  Kevin and Dominick enjoy going for walks both inside and out.  There has been a small amount of progress but as of now we are still hoping for more.  It did seem like Dominick knew I was talking to him at times, but the doctors are hoping that he will be able to turn his head and eyes to the sound of voices before he leaves.  That would be a really great thing for now.  We are just hoping for progress.  Kevin has started the process for home health care and Dominick will be receiving that daily when he returns home.  He will need a handicap accessible vehicle to transport Dominick to and from his doctor appts.  We are hoping to raise money on this page, and potentially have a fundraiser, to help him buy the van.  There is an organization that will convert it into a handicap vehicle once it's purchased.  Kevin and Dominick have a tough road ahead and this is very unfortunate.  I thank you all for the donations and prayers.  Please continue to pray for more progress.  Thank you!