Great News from Dominick Hinkley

Years ago – I started out emailing those I knew to ask for your prayers to help a little boy, my grandson Dominick IV, fight for his life. He was born August 7, 2003 and was diagnosed with leukemia. As you all know, he spent many months of his first year of life at Albany Medical Center in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit and we spent many days and nights at the Ronald McDonald House in Albany – an amazing place. He had so many good doctors and the best of the best nurses. It seemed like each day presented new challenges – and new goals were met. Early in 2004, Dominick was released from the hospital and went home to be with his Dad, Mom and sister Ally where he began to thrive. At that time – they lived in Oneonta.

They moved to Haymarket, VA and have lived there for about 16 years. Dominick routinely sees his oncologist, cardiologist and audiologist. He is well. We are so blessed.

I’m excited to tell you we celebrated his 21st birthday on August 7th.  We now live in Vero Beach, Florida but flew to Virginia and enjoyed every minute.  We went bowling, out to dinner, the movies, and because he turned 21 – enjoyed some pizza and beverages at local pubs.  Dominick continues his studies at the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in Manassas.  He also holds down a full-time job as an Assistant Manager at a chain franchise.  His sister Ally works as a pool operator and lifeguard. Dom’s dad, Dominick III, continues to work for the federal government and his mom Michelle is a first-grade teacher. They have three pet Shih Zhu’s – Wendell, Snickers and Gizmo – as well as birds – Sunny the Sun Conure and Majesty the parakeet.

We want to thank all of you for all of your continued prayers, your best wishes and your many positive thoughts. It’s amazing to watch him grow – he is a beautiful human being and we are proud to call him ours.  As always, his laughter makes us all smile, his hugs are the best, and his warm heart is beautiful. He is awesome.

We wish you all the best and hope you and yours are forever well and safe.

Wink & Karen Hinkley