10-year-old Dominque is a major Taylor Swift fan who is currently in her own “Courage Era” as she fights acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

In the spring of 2024, Dominique started to experience some alarming symptoms like daily nosebleeds and intermittent, unexplained pain in her ribs and shoulders. She would often mention to her mom, “that pain is back again,” especially after swimming or biking with her brother.

The progression of these symptoms was gradual but alarming, and her condition had worsened significantly by August. She began limping, developed six swollen lymph nodes, and then started to experience persistent fevers. Dominique and her family made repeated visits to emergency rooms and clinics, but no clear diagnosis was made.

Her condition deteriorated further to the point where she was unable to open her jaw to take medication in the week after Thanksgiving. Her parents rushed her to the emergency department at SickKids, where she was finally admitted.

On Monday the 21st of October, 2024, they received the heart-breaking news…

Dominique had precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Her treatment plan is intensive and complex, shaped by a genetic profile that requires aggressive chemotherapy.

Over the course of her treatment so far, her body has proven highly sensitive which has led to multiple complications including severe allergic reactions, onset of Type 1 diabetes, meningitis-like responses, and prolonged periods of low blood counts. These complications have repeatedly caused delays to her treatment schedule, which is currently expected to span 3 years in total.

Alongside the challenges of treatment and associated side effects, Dominique has had to face and overcome numerous fears including a phobia of needles and difficulty swallowing pills. She has learned how to calm herself down during her regular port access procedures.

Dominique has also endured long hospital admissions, including a month-long stay with a continuous blinatumomab infusion - she received a constant flow of the immunotherapy drug via IV and needed to carry her “Blina Backpack” with her at all times.

Her mom told us, “From the minute our child was diagnosed, the team at SickKids wrapped us in a bubble of compassion and expertise that lifted us up and has carried us through this medical crisis… it's clear that an immense amount of thought, care and attention has been paid on how to carry us through, the worst time of our lives, in the best manner possible.”

There’s no doubt in her mind that Dominique is in the best hands. She told us that her daughter’s care team are “continuously monitoring the risk/cost/benefit to Dominique's treatment and tailoring it to her needs at all times.”

This incredible girl is so brave and resilient. She excels academically and loves science, physics, engineering, and astronomy. Outside of academics, she also loves musical theatre, piano, singing, gymnastics, and circus arts.

And her greatest gift is her voice; she loves to talk, share, explain, and connect. Her loved ones are certain she will one day use this gift to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Let’s keep the amazing Dominique in our hearts as we ride this August!