Support Domingo Henriquez's Fight Against Cancer

Hello, my name is Jen Virgo and I’m starting this site on behalf of our dear Domingo Henriquez. I’m blessed to have him as my friend and compadre, godfather to my little one. As you may know, Domingo is a thoughtful, humble, independent, and private person. It has therefore taken some time for him to consider participating in a site like CaringBridge. When you read his words below, you will understand why he is now sharing his story. Thank you for reading and for caring.

"My name is Domingo Henriquez. In March of this year, I received life-changing news: I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer—a highly aggressive form of cancer that has already spread to other organs and bones.

Until recently, I led an active life devoted to serving others. I work as a case manager supporting at-risk families and as a crisis counselor in suicide prevention. I’ve always been there for others during their toughest moments. I love the type of job that I do, I'd like to have the opportunity to keep doing it.

My diagnosis came as a complete shock. Just two years ago, my routine check-ups showed no signs of concern. But earlier this year, my PSA levels spiked to alarming numbers, and I was rushed to the hospital in a life-threatening emergency. I spent nearly a month fighting for my life. When I was discharged, I began an aggressive treatment plan that includes four simultaneous therapies (chemotherapy, radiation, and more), as my oncologist described my cancer as unusually severe.

This illness has dramatically changed my daily life. I can no longer work as I once did. Simple activities—like walking or carrying groceries—have become risky due to the metastasis in my bones. I went from going to the gym five times a week to being unable to lift even light objects.

Medical bills are piling up quickly. I travel to the hospital almost every day for treatments, lab work, and consultations with multiple specialists. It’s becoming too much to bear—physically, emotionally, and financially.

I am fighting with everything I have, holding on to faith in God and the hope of recovery. But this battle is weighing heavily on my body, my mental health, and our family finances.

Today, I humbly ask for your support. Your donation—no matter the size—can make a real difference. It will help me continue receiving the critical treatments I need to survive and keep my hope alive.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your kindness. Sharing this campaign is also a powerful way to help.

With gratitude,

Domingo Henriquez"

I could share so many anecdotes with you that illustrate the integrity, kindness, and faith that Domingo embodies. From the way he thanked each hospital staff person, whether it was for procedures that were painful to him, or for taking out the trash from his hospital room. Or how he became so popular among the nursing staff that nurses were requesting to be on duty in his hospital wing! I met many of Domingo's family members because of this crisis. They have been by his side as much as they can, some traveling from the Dominican Republic to his bedside at the hospital, including his mom, who stayed at his home for weeks to prepare meals and help him with household tasks. Friends have helped him as well. And all have been praying for him.

My hope in joining CaringBridge is that we can provide updates on Domingo's journey in one place, and that we can have a broader reach in seeking the financial support that Domingo needs. As hardworking as Domingo is (he has been working two jobs for some time now), the multiple forms of treatment he is receiving and the emergent nature of his care have added up to some exorbitant bills. As he so beautifully states, we humbly ask for your support and gratefully accept whatever you are able to give.

I know Domingo to be a truly amazing human being. He has been such a light in my life and I want him to enjoy many more years of life. It is a special gift to see him playing with my daughter, Mayeli, who recently turned two. He cannot pick her up right now, and sometimes when we visit he is in bed fighting severe pain, but his face lights up when he sees her and she is equally enchanted to see her padrino.

If you have the pleasure of knowing Domingo, thank you for being a trusted person he feels ready to reach out to. And if you have never met Domingo, thank you for opening your heart to his story and we hope you will consider donating and getting updates from us. Thank you, Jen