June 12, 2008 at 7:59 a.m.
Taylors Falls class helps sick boy feel better
Taylors Falls class helps sick boy feel better
After months of sending letters, cards and pictures, the class was finally able to meet a healthy, albeit very shy, Dominik and his family during the last week of school at Taylors Falls Elementary.
Mrs. Greene made contact with the family, which includes parents Kelly and Jim, sister Kailey, a ninth grader, and brother Dante, a first grader, and said she'd like her class to send cards and pictures to Dominik to help him during his long stay at the Ronald McDonald House.
The class began communicating with Dominik, and were happy to hear that he finally received what he desperately needed - a new kidney.
During the Lawsons visit to Taylors Falls Elementary, Kelly explained that Dominik was born with non-functioning kidneys, so he was put on the donor list immediately.
His family was tested, and doctors matched Kelly as a good donor. Dominik received one of his mom's kidneys, but his body rejected the kidney last spring.
Since then, he has been living at the Ronald McDonald House, close to the University of Minnesota where he received dialysis treatments every other day until a new kidney donor could be found.
The opportunity came from the sister of a young boy who died following a bone marrow transplant. The two families became close during their time at the Ronald McDonald House.
Dominik received his new kidney May 22 and was already strong enough to make the trip to Taylors Falls June 3.
There, Mrs. Greene's class had decorated signs saying "Welcome" and "Happy Birthday," to celebrate Dominik's June 10 birthday a little early. After a short visit with the family, the class celebrated with presents for Dominik, cupcakes and snacks.
Dominik was hesitant to leave mom and dad's side, perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the attention of a classroom of first graders, but looked like a normal, healthy two-year-old.
Kelly said they are very grateful that the class offered their support and good thoughts to Dominik.
"Because of your pictures and letters, he's better," she said.
To show their appreciation, the Lawsons brought Ronald McDonald House bracelets for all the children, as well as carboard collection "houses" for them all to collect aluminum can tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.
The Lawsons were expecting that Dominik would be well enough for the family to return home to Taconite, MN. sometime next week, and his brother and sister can return to their regular schools in the fall.
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