For young Crows fan Dominic and his family, when life gets heavy, footy can feel like a lifeline.
Not only does being at a game create memories that last, it also gives the family a chance to forget the day-to-day challenges Dominic faces living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The now 11-year-old was diagnosed in late 2022 with the progressive, degenerative condition that will eventually impact his overall mobility.
Since then, he has undergone countless doctors’ appointments, along with hydrotherapy and ongoing medication to help manage the disease.
As part of Hungry Jack's annual June fundraiser for Make-A-Wish® Australia, Dominic was the recipient of a wish to be a Crow for a day in 2023 and, on Wednesday, returned to the Club to reunite with some of his heroes.
Joined again by his parents Dionisia and Steven, along with his younger sister Zoey, Dominic watched Adelaide’s main training session, interacted with the players and had lunch with the team at its West Lakes headquarters.
Dionisia said the family was grateful to be able to return to the Club and the experience provided so much joy for Dominic.
“We have so much gratitude for Make-A-Wish, Hungry Jack’s and for the Adelaide Football Club, because these days are memories that we remember for a long time, memories we look back on when things are tough, and ones that we'll treasure forever,” Dionisia said.
“It's really good to be back, it’s great to see the players again, and amazing to have another really special day for Dominic.
“Every week we can, we get to come to the footy, and it allows us not to think about what's going on in life, just enjoy watching the boys and seeing what they do.
“To connect with some of his heroes, and the way they show an interest in him, means the world to him.”
Dominic, who is in his final year of primary school, can’t run or kick a footy like most of his peers, and finds walking difficult due to his condition.
“He's traveling okay, things are slowly starting to degenerate, but that’s what we expect to see. His mobility is becoming a little bit more difficult, but he's still on his feet, still fighting on his feet,” Dionisia said.
“This is his last year of primary school, so he's had to overcome sort of watching his peers, you know, get ready to move into high school, and he struggles sometimes to keep up with his peers in terms of sports and running around.”
Dionisia also revealed how Crows Skipper Jordan Dawson had helped Dominic overcome a challenge.
“There was a walk for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Dominic was not that keen on doing the walk, but then Jordan Dawson showed up, and that gave him the motivation to finish off the walk.
“That was probably a year or two ago now, so having those connections when we bump into the players is really special for him as well.”
Dominic said he was excited to be back at the Crows’ nest and enjoyed watching his favourite player, Josh Rachele, kick goals.
In its sixth year, the annual Hungry Jack's June fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Australia is back.
Hungry Jack's is almost at their goal of raising $3 million for critically ill children, with the campaign ending on June 29.
Crows supporters and Hungry Jack’s customers can purchase a $2, $5 or $10 star in-store, drive-thru, or via the Hungry Jack’s App, with all funds raised going to Make-A-Wish Australia.
Hungry Jack's is the Principal Partner of the Adelaide Crows.
Find out how you can support Hungry Jack’s June fundraiser for Make-A-Wish here.
Learn ore about the important work that Make-A-Wish does here.
