How we respond to life’s greatest challenges defines our character. In his 33 years, Dominic Adorno has faced many challenges; from near vision loss as a child, to being ejected and thrown more than 110 feet from a vehicle on the highway and enduring more than 10 surgeries to repair the damages. Through it all he’s maintained a positive outlook on life and worked to achieve personal and professional success.

On January 10, 2008 Dominic faced his greatest life challenge. After rapid unexplained weight loss, excessive fatigue, severe night sweats and an altered (pale) complexion, he was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in blast crisis phase. This is an acute form of leukemia that is very difficult to manage. If undetected, he would have only six months to live.

Dominic immediately began an aggressive treatment regimen, including the search for a bone marrow donor match. He responded very well to his medications, and his condition continued to steadily improve over the course of several months. However, this provided only a false sense of hope and security as blast phase CML is incurable without a successful bone marrow transplant. Fortunately, the transplant team was lucky to have found a donor willing to give of himself to help a complete stranger.

Following a week’s worth of chemotherapy and a day of rest, on June 4th, 2008 Dominic kissed and hugged his wife Lisa and brother Tony, and reclined in his hospital bed in anticipation of his transplant. After 27 days in hospital, Dominic is now home on the long road to recovery, and the coveted +100 day mark. He’s under the daily care of his wife and mother, and has the support of his entire family – who live more than 1,000 miles away.

With tremendous inner strength, hope, perseverance (and a little luck), Dominic has overcome many obstacles in life. However it’s his current struggle that's going to be the most physically, psychologically and financially challenging. He is unable to work, and with the exception of regular clinic visits for treatment, is confined to the inside of his house.

Dominic needs your continued love and support to remain optimistic, and to have the will and resources to fight as hard as possible to beat the odds once again. He and his family are thankful for all of your efforts in this regard.