Family helps others in Dominic’s honor
On Sept. 6, Dominic Palacio would be 22 years old, if he’d lived. But the high school freshman lost his unflinching battle with cancer on October 20, 2011. His memory is preserved in a charity founded in 2016 to help families of children with cancer.
“On the fifth anniversary of Dominic’s passing, we wanted to do something commemorative,” says Manuel Palacio, Dominic’s father.
The family – mom, Yvette and siblings, Yvette and Stephen -- selected a familiar cause to honor Dominic. Palacio speaks of the I AM DOM Foundation mission to “assist in lessening the financial burden” for families of children with cancer. The nonprofit advocates for those families and raises awareness about the “emotional and financial stress” they endure.
Since its inception, the foundation started in Dominic’s honor has raised $30,000 through various fundraising events and assisted 13 area families. The average financial gift is $350.
“Requests for assistance come from social workers at Children’s Mercy Hospital,” Palacio says.
Families can apply to the I AM DOM Foundation through Children’s Mercy once a year for help paying a utility bill, housing or car payment or out-of-pocket treatment expense. The foundation’s nine-member board reviews applications to select those the nonprofit can assist. They make the requested payments on behalf of the families directly to vendors.
“We don’t give money to the families,” Palacio says.
For the past two years, the foundation has delivered stuffed teddy bears to kids in the cancer ward at Children’s Mercy Hospital on Valentine’s Day. The first year, the foundation collected and distributed 689 bears. This year, 2,500 youngsters received teddies.
On February 10, 2019, the foundation will take donations of brand new bears, 12-7 p.m. at the Armourdale Community Center, 730 Osage Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
“The teddy bear is someone that can be with a child so he isn’t alone, even when his parents aren’t there,” Palacio says. “It’s a friend for life to hug or laugh or cry with.”
The Foundation has officially opened registration for two upcoming fundraisers. The third annual Family Fun Day Walk/Run is on September 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kan. Participants can register online (www.iamdom.org) or on the day.
“We always hold it in September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,” Palacio says.
The stroller-and-wheelchair-accessible outdoor event to raise money for child cancer patient care and support has something for everyone. There’s a mobile entertainment vehicle, bounce house, face-painting and more. The registration fee is $25, payable online or at the event. All payment forms are accepted. Last year, 100 people participated. Fliers publicizing the Family Fun Day Walk/Run are available by contacting Palacio at 913-364-6666 or iamdom33@gmail.com.
October 20 is the date set for the foundation’s first Halloween motorcycle ride, another family-friendly event. Riders are invited to dress in costume. There will be prizes awarded for best costumes, raffle drawings, dinner and more. Register to ride online (www.iamdom.org/i-am-dom-events-table/). The fee is $20.
Dominic’s family is pleased to have found a fitting way to honor his memory. They’re carrying on for Dominic, who supported service through volunteer work.
“People supporting our cause, believing in what we’re doing to help these families is what makes us happy,” Palacio says.
