Meet Our Friend!

Meet our friend, Dominic! At the 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates Cancer Support game, Dominic threw out the opening pitch. This was also his very first Pirates game!!

Here is what Dominic's mom shared about his journey...

"Dominic's journey hasn't been an easy one. To summarize the past few years, in 2023, he underwent surgery to lengthen his tendons in his calf, ankle and foot/toes. His foot had turned almost completely backwards. This would be a routine surgery as he grows. The following year started with Dominic in severe pain, resulting in several doctor visits, therapies, MRIs, biopsies, and of course high anxiety. The devastating news to follow was Dominic was diagnosed with Desmoid Tumors. The tumors are rare and genetic tumors that are trauma induced. Regrettably, there is no definitive cure. Lite following this diagnosis was filled with continuous oncology visits, meeting with surgeons and cryogenics teams. When freezing the mass, it was discovered that it was encased around his Achilles tendons and freezing them could potentially damage the tendons and prevent him from walking. Chemotherapy was the next option. Dominic was allergic to the first type of chemo and ended up in the hospital for two weeks with awful sores. Next solution was a chemotherapy pill taken twice a day. While on this pill a new, third tumor was found resulting in the tumors not responding to the chemotherapy. A new oncologist was brought on and introduced a new Desmoid tumor specific chemotherapy. This chemo has only been around for three years. After discussion and ultimately letting Dominic decide, the new chemo was chosen. After several tests and searching, a pharmacy in Kentucky had it. Dominic started the new medication in late April 2026. He is extremely exhausted with no appetite and experiences unpleasant side effects. He is thankful for no port and the option to maintain being a kid. New scans are scheduled for later this year.

Dominic loves sports including baseball, football, wrestling and basketball. He is unfortunately unable to participate in any contact sports Moon Area middle school due to his health conditions. He is a regular 11-year-old boy who loves to make people laugh every day.

The family became a part of Leanding Hearts earlier this summer when Dominic’s Mom met an Amazing Mom at Oncology who told her all about it. They are so grateful for this organization in helping lifting Dominic and other kids fighting the unthinkable."

(First photo below: credit to Pittsburgh Pirates. Dominic threw the opening pitch at the 9/6/2026 Pirates Cancer Support Game)

(photos below: provided by Dominic's family)