Ponchatoula family to host benefit concert for 7-year-old with cancer
PONCHATOULA, La. (BRPROUD) — A Ponchatoula family hopes the community can help their son continue on his journey to recovery.
In the fall of 2023, 7-year-old Dominic Tramonte started feeling pain in his leg.
“He had a mosquito bite that he scratched raw on his leg right there. And that's why we thought there was some kind of infection going on." said Michael Tramonte, father of Dominic.
As it turns out, Dominic has a rare form of bone cancer found in kids, Ewing Sarcoma.
“It's a scary thing for a kid and a parent, you know," said Michael.
Michael says, fortunately, doctors caught it in stage one. He hopes sharing his son’s story will bring awareness to this aggressive disease.
“Trying to just inform the public, you know, like that this is a serious thing," said Michael.
The illness has taken a mental toll on Dominic. It's impacted his physical freedom. Like most kids, he likes to play outside.
“And what do you like to do? He likes to ride his four-wheeler," said Michael.
As a parent, Heather Tramonte says the best thing you can do for your child is to advocate. Especially, when it comes to their health.
“If you feel something is not right, you just keep checking in," said Heather, mother of Dominic.
In April, Dominic will undergo a leg reconstruction that requires him and his family to live in Memphis for a month.
Michael has been a musician and percussionist for decades. He plays with groups like Perkins Road Band in Baton Rouge and across the Gulf Coast. To help with medical expenses, Michael’s band members are hosting a benefit concert.
“Different musicians coming in and sitting in. It's going to be a show," said Michael.
The event is from 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 5 in Biloxi, Mississippi at Ground Zero Blues Club.
The goal is to raise $10,000 to donate to Dominic’s GoFundMe. For more information on the benefit concert visit GroundZeroBiloxi.com.