Four days after a surgery no one could predict, Dom woke up.
Not to instant relief.
Not to celebration.
But to pain — and hope living side by side.
Dom is still in significant pain, but with each passing day, it’s becoming more manageable. And more importantly, something remarkable is happening beneath the surface.
During surgery, doctors discovered compression on Dom’s spinal cord at the C5 vertebra — pressure that had been silently affecting his entire body. The surgeon was able to successfully release that pressure, and since waking up, the changes have been nothing short of powerful.
Dom has begun to regain sensation throughout his body. Not faint signals — but real, noticeable feeling, like his body reminding everyone: “I’m still here. I’m still fighting.”
Then came the moment that brought his family to tears.
For the first time since before surgery, Dom was able to wiggle the toes on his right foot — something he could not do at all prior to this operation.
Such a small movement to some.
But to his family, it was a massive wave of hope.
Even more encouraging, the muscle spasms that once plagued him now seem almost nonexistent — a change so significant it feels surreal.
Because of post-op pain, Dom hasn’t yet been able to complete a full neurological assessment. But even without it, all signs are pointing in a positive direction.
Still, reality hasn’t softened its grip.
Nearly a year into recovery, Dom is essentially starting the clock all over again. The journey resets. The road stretches long once more.
And yet — his family believes this second surgery was a blessing in disguise.
“We truly believe God answered our prayers in a way we never expected.”
Since learning Dom would need a second surgery, too many things have fallen perfectly into place to be coincidence. Timing. People. Opportunities. Each step aligned with a quiet certainty.
There may be critics.
There may be doubt.
But his family no longer cares.
This past year has been a journey for Dom, Shantel, and everyone who loves him — filled with fear, tears, waiting, and unwavering faith. And they believe with their whole hearts: there is no way they could have endured it without God.
That faith brought peace.
That peace brought strength.
And that strength carried them through the darkest moments.
Now, there is discussion about Dom returning to the Shepherd Center, and his family hopes with everything they have that it becomes reality.
Only after returning home did they fully realize just how extraordinarily specialized Shepherd truly is. Outside of that community, finding care for paralysis is shockingly difficult.
“It’s honestly mind-blowing,” they shared.
“The level of expertise is so rare.”
The journey isn’t over.
Pain remains.
Recovery will take time.
But today, Dom moved his toes.
And in that single movement, hope moved an entire family — and everyone praying alongside them.
Thank you all for the continued prayers.
We love you. 🙏🏻❤️
