My son was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in July 2023. At just 15 years old, he was vibrant, athletic, and full of life, which made the news even more difficult to bear. Dom has always been the type of kid who rarely complains, but after two months of persistent back pain, I could feel something was not right. Despite consulting several doctors, none of them felt it necessary to order an MRI. Out of a deep concern for my son, I took him to the ER at LDS Hospital, where I expressed my worries with urgency. Thankfully, the doctors agreed to perform the MRI. When the results came in, we were brought into a private room, and the doctor gently informed us about the mass on his back. He recommended a biopsy, and we proceeded without delay. Just a week later, we faced the devastating diagnosis of Ewing's Sarcoma and began treatment.
Ten months later, we found ourselves filled with hope when Dom’s scans showed no evidence of disease. We enjoyed six months of joy that felt so precious and fleeting! However, during his third set of scans, we received the heartbreaking news of new lesions. We had just been looking forward to an exciting trip to Europe, investing in plane tickets and Eurail passes, and saving up $5,000. We plan to be there for at least 42 days, hoping to participate in a Ewing's Sarcoma trial in Germany, and we may need to stay even longer.
This journey has been incredibly challenging for us. Alongside Dom’s illness, I faced profound personal struggles, including my own health issues that made it impossible to work. I also experienced the loss of both my parents during this difficult time, adding an emotional layer that has felt overwhelming. My younger sister has been a source of support from Arizona, while I’ve managed the challenging task of cleaning and preparing our family home for viewings. Unfortunately, my parents had let the home fall into disrepair, resulting in a sale below market value. To add to the stress, I was denied my disability claim by the state of Utah, and I’m currently navigating some legal issues that I'm committed to resolving. Despite all of this, my focus remains steadfast on Dom’s health and our hope for future adventures together.
We are so thankful for the kindness and support we've received in the past, and any assistance you can offer now would be immensely appreciated. Thank you for standing by us during this challenging journey.
