In a heartwarming display of community support, a Fort Wayne business is turning a young boy’s dream into reality by building him a pool free of charge. This generous gesture is part of an effort to honor 11-year-old Dominic Durnell’s Make-A-Wish, as he battles leukemia.
A Dream Pool for a Brave Young Boy
Dominic Durnell, diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Leukemia earlier this year, has faced numerous challenges during his cancer treatment. As part of his Make-A-Wish, the community rallied behind him to make his dream of having a pool come true. However, things weren’t as simple as just getting a pool.
Dominic’s mother, Christina Ray-Durnell, was initially told that the family could only get an above-ground pool. Unfortunately, their neighborhood didn’t allow such installations. It seemed like a setback, but the community wasn’t about to let that stop them. A family friend, eager to help, began sending letters to local businesses asking for support. That’s when one business decided to step in.
The Call to Action
Tredway Pools, a local business, received the letter and immediately reached out to Dominic’s family. Luke Unger, co-owner of Tredway Pool and Spa, couldn’t believe the story when he heard it. “We wanted to meet Dominic, we want to meet his family, and we want to do this for them,” said Unger, reflecting on the company’s decision to step up.
Dominic himself was taken aback by the offer. “I couldn’t believe it at first because I know a pool is expensive,” he admitted. However, the company’s willingness to help was crystal clear, and it made all the difference.
Inspired by a Speech, Taking Action
The decision to build Dominic’s dream pool came at a time when Unger was attending a work conference. During the event, a keynote speaker spoke passionately about the importance of helping the community. That speech stuck with him. “The same day we got the message from Melissa, I talked to my business partner Corey, and it was just a no-brainer to do it,” said Unger. The timing and inspiration aligned perfectly, and Tredway Pools jumped into action.
Unger shared that he wanted to help Dominic experience the simple joys of being a kid, something the young boy hadn’t had much of during his illness. “He’s a kid and he should be a kid, and we want him to be a kid in his own backyard… we just want Dominic to have that with his family and his friends,” Unger added.
The Dream Pool Takes Shape
Not only will Dominic’s pool be a place to swim, but it will also include features that will make it truly special. The pool will come equipped with a waterslide, a basketball hoop, and LED lights that shine brightly under the water. The goal is for Dominic to have a space where he can enjoy fun moments with his family and friends—an experience that is about more than just therapy but also about creating lasting memories.
The project is set to break ground later in May, and within a couple of weeks, Dominic will be able to jump into the pool of his dreams. The pool’s construction symbolizes more than just a wish granted—it’s a testament to the kindness and generosity of a community that stands by its members in times of need.
