Support Dominic's Second Brain Surgery & Recovery

Please Help Support Dominic’s Second Brain Surgery & Recovery

Many of you know my son Dominic’s story, and some of you may be hearing it for the first time. I’d like to share it with you in its entirety, so you can truly understand why we’re reaching out for help during this incredibly difficult time.

On May 30th, 2023, our lives changed forever.

Dominic underwent brain surgery to remove an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation)—a tangled group of blood vessels that can rupture or hemorrhage, often leading to a stroke. We discovered the AVM after a seemingly harmless accident involving his son, Landon, triggered two unexpected seizures. That accident ended up saving his life.

The five-hour brain surgery was successful in removing the AVM, but Dominic suffered a stroke during the procedure. It left him with major deficits on his left side and impacted his cognitive function. The months that followed were filled with uncertainty and determination—one week in the ICU, two weeks in inpatient rehab, and over a year of intense therapy just to learn how to walk again and rebuild his thinking and speech skills.

Through it all, Dominic’s spirit never wavered.

One of the most powerful moments of this journey was watching him walk down the aisle with his bride, Rocky, on their wedding day. That walk was more than just a step—it was a triumph over hardship.

But now, our family is facing the unimaginable. Again.

On April 9th, 2025, Dominic suffered another seizure while at home with Rocky and their son. After being rushed to Barrow Neurological Institute and undergoing several scans, we received devastating news: the AVM is back. Same location. Same size. This is incredibly rare—only 2% of AVM patients experience recurrence. In fact, Dominic’s neurosurgeon has performed over 1,200 AVM removals, and Dominic is only his sixth patient to experience a recurrence. That’s a 0.05% chance.

A second craniotomy is scheduled for Monday, May 12th.

As a mom, I can’t put into words what it feels like to watch your child go through this once—let alone a second time. It’s shaken us to the core, but we are clinging to faith and holding onto hope.

We don’t know exactly what this second recovery will look like. We’re praying for an easy removal and a peaceful, healing summer at home. But we do know the financial toll this will take on Dominic and Rocky.

Health insurance only goes so far—and during Dominic’s first recovery, I had to fight to get even a month of continued rehabilitation covered. After that, we were on our own. Dominic had just started getting back on his feet with work before this second diagnosis, and unfortunately, he doesn’t qualify for disability in Arizona. That means the family will be living on one income while Rocky takes a leave from work to care for him.

We are asking, humbly and prayerfully, for your help.

Whether it’s a financial donation, a prayer, or simply sharing this page—every act of kindness counts. Every dollar helps ease the burden so they can focus on healing, not bills.

Dominic’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and strength. He’s shown us what it means to fight. And now, he needs us to fight alongside him.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with us.

I will never stop praising God for the miracles we’ve already seen, and for His unwavering presence through every step of this journey.

With gratitude and faith,

Linda