Our Event
The Ogden Avenue School event is happening April 11. Please join us!
Dominic was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma before kindergarten in 2008 and died days after he finished second grade in 2011. Dom achieved many things and made many friends in his three years of school. Dominic touched our lives briefly but left us with a lifetime of dreams to hold on to.
2025
$18,476
Funds Raised in 2025
2024
$53,171
Funds Raised in 2024
$647,543
Total Funds Raised
Since 2009
The Story Behind This Hero Fund
My Super Hero!
As Super Heroes go Dominic didn't wear a cape nor have some coded ring that brought villains to their knees, Dom was a hero who endured pain and suffering so one day his 'kryptonite' can be cured so no other hero has to live life on the edge as Dom did. My hero fought his battles in a clinic, a hospital, and at school unlike other heroes who fought the good fight amongst explosions and death rays. Unlike the Bat Cave or Superman’s lair Dominic’s hideout was cleverly disguised as a boy’s bedroom, which he shared with his sidekick Ryan. Dominic didn't have a utility belt, a cape, or some secret flying power to defend himself instead he used his smile, gentle looks, and analytical mind to diffuse a villain. Kryptonite eventually got to my hero, taking his physical body but never touching his spirit, as he lay taking his last breath my hero's spirit exited his body and entered mine so it could live on and be born again. Rest now Dom, there are no villains where you have traveled. POW! BIF! BAM!
-- Ernie Cairo, 2011
Dominic was truly our Hero. When we had heard about the Hero Fund we thought it would be a perfect way of keeping Dominic’s name alive while doing what we do for St. Baldrick's. We have been working with St. Baldrick’s since 2008 and since Dominic’s death in 2011 his school, Ogden Avenue, and their amazing Student Council have started a team in his name called ‘Do It for Dominic’. Because of this team and its wonderful leader, Mrs. Tara Petersen, we are able to start the Hero Fund this year. The Hero fund will help us focus our efforts towards the same goal of finding a cure for pediatric cancer so that no other child ever has to go through what Dominic had to endure. This is why we do what we do and this is why we "Do It for Dominic".
Highlights & Happenings
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St. Baldrick’s Grant Funding in IllinoisMore than $9 million has been given in childhood cancer research grants to institutions helping to find cures right in our backyard! See grants in Illinois. -
Dominic Continues to GiveThe Cairo Family and St. Baldrick’s have combined to raise over $58,000 to be used by Lurie Children’s Hospital. Watch news coverage of the check ceremony here.
Photo Gallery
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Funding in Action
Donations made to the Do It For Dominic Fund have funded five Infrastructure Grants at Chicago-area hospitals. In addition, the Fund has funded a St. Baldrick's Fellow Grant for Lisa Mauer M.D. Ph.D., a St. Baldrick’s Scholar Grant for Matthew Barth M.D., and a St. Baldrick's Research Grant for Jonathan Licht M.D.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.
Who’s Involved
These people make us smile - they’re the doers and money-raisers on behalf of Do It For Dominic. They’re shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.
2025 Events
Get Involved Your Own Way
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Create An Event
Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to support our Hero Fund! A dedicated staff member will guide you every step of the way—and you’ll have fun doing something great for kids with cancer.
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Be a Shavee
Register to shave your head and support our Hero Fund at any St. Baldrick’s event worldwide! No event nearby? Go virtual and shave anytime, anywhere.
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Start a Fundraiser
Not into head-shaving? No problem! Start a fundraiser for our Hero Fund doing something you love—bike a marathon, host a bake sale, anything goes!
Need help? Email us at Funds@StBaldricks.org
