Hudson – When he was only one month old, Dominic LaRosee went into congestive heart failure, the result of being born with a variation of the defect Tetralogy of Fallot. He was so critically ill that his family did not know if he would survive the open heart surgery he required a month later.
Thankfully Dominic’s story has a happy ending. Now age 4, he is not expected to need further surgery and leads a normal, non-restricted life.
“He is a four-year-old wild man who is funny, handsome, inquisitive, empathetic, courageous and wise beyond his years,” his mother, Amanda, said. “He spends his time with his family, his best friends, cousin Isabelle and cat ‘Walter Cronkcat,’ taking walks, collecting sticks, jumping off of anything he can and asking questions about everything.”
But his family will never forget that terror of what their little son went through during that period. And just as importantly, they will never forget, LaRosee said, how so many other families must face this situation as well, sometimes with much sadder outcomes.
To honor the little boy they call their “heart hero,” Dominic’s family and friends have participated in events to raise awareness and funds for congenital heart disease (CHD). In 2011 they walked in the Worcester Heart Walk and since 2012 have participated in the annual Boston Heart Walk. “Team Dominic” has raised over $2,000 to date for the American Heart Association.
This year the family has decided to host an event, “Have a Heart Fundraiser for Team Dominic,” that will be held Friday, May 29, from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge 959, 99 Park St., Hudson.
The night will feature, drinks, dancing and raffles for items including Red Sox tickets, European Wax Center gift certificate, a photo session with professional Ang Altobelli, a gift certificate to Massage Envy Spa and a handmade piece of jewelry from local artist Keith Warren.
There is a $10 cover charge for adults; kids are free.
“All funds raised by Team Dominic will go directly to Congenital Heart Disease funding and research,” LaRosee said. “We also really want to support other families and let them know they are not alone.
“My favorite quote is ‘I understand you’re not a CHD parent, so spreading awareness isn’t a priority. But the day before my child’s diagnosis, I wasn’t a CHD parent either,’” she added.
For more information, visit http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1126566&team=6302555#sthash.Hd1ZyRGd.dpuf and on the Facebook page, Have a Heart Fundraiser for Team Dominic.