The Full Story

The boy in the middle is Dominic, and the pictures throughout the site are from when he was little. Dominic was born with a rare genetic syndrome called MeCP2 Duplication Syndrome.  According to the Geneticist at Children’s Hospital, Dominic’s duplication type was the first like it discovered in the world. Other boys had been diagnosed then, but their duplications were on the X chromosome, and Dominic’s was on the Y chromosome. His duplication was not inherited genetically, it was De Novo (a change in a gene's DNA sequence that occurs for the first time in a person. This can cause a genetic condition that wasn't present in the person's parents).

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Being rare gave our family so much hope, Dominic walked, talked using his augmentative communication device, laughed, loved food, music, and most of all teased his siblings. Sadly, Dominic’s seizures started when he was 11 years old, and from there, the road was very difficult with uncountable hospitalizations for pneumonia and staff infections. Sadly, our sweet Dom passed away in 2022.

I wanted him to be with me forever and a day, but his time on this earth was far too finite. He accomplished all of his goals and left so many gifts. Dominic’s insights extend to everyone who had the privilege of meeting him. These gifts are in the present tense because his life matters and his legacy will continue.

• Happiness: Happiness is a choice. Period. Read that again! Dominic was always happy and shared his joy with everyone around him.

• Pure Love: This is Dominic’s de facto standard. He’s a perfect role model, and we can learn from and emulate the love that he shared.

• Perspective: Dominic provides us with the ability to prioritize what matters, and realize that health and happiness are THE key.

• Control: Control is an illusion. Realizing this frees us from being too caught up in the daily grind otherwise known as our lives.

• Joy: The little things matter. Joy is a relative perspective. Dominic loved music, and could often be found acting as the family DJ with his industrial radio. He loved his brother and sister, books, remote controls, dancing, the Mozart cube, Katie Perry, Sean Kingston, SpongeBob Square Pants, musical movies, Signing Times, meatballs, pizza, and his family. His smile lights up our world, and his laughter is music to our ears.

• Gratitude: Dominic teaches us more than we could have ever taught him. He sets a shining example of perseverance, determination, and pushing yourself to the limit.

Dominic’s time was limited, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched. We started Dom’s Dream to ensure that these gifts are not forgotten.  We started it to preserve his legacy and share the joy that he gave our family.

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Dom’s dream mission is clear:

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We dream of a community that provides essential support for siblings of children with special needs, ensuring they have access to activities and resources that foster their growth and opportunities.

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We dream of care that addresses the financial burdens of families caring for medically complex children, from chair lifts to legal fees, recognizing that much of this support often falls outside of insurance coverage.

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We dream of a cure by funding vital research at Huda Zoghbi Lab at the Baylor College of Medicine. This amazing team is tirelessly working to discover solutions for MECP2 Duplication Syndrome,

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Join us in honoring Dom’s legacy by helping create a future where every family receives the help they need.

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.