Dining with Dom as a Lori’s Hands Volunteer

Valerie has visited Dom as a volunteer with Lori’s Hands for more than half of her college career. Graduating this spring, she reflected on her visits with Dom – what she’s learned, how she’s been inspired, and what she’ll miss most.

After knowing Dom for 3 years through Lori’s Hands, leaving for graduation comes with a really tough goodbye. Thankfully, every time I make some of my favorite meals such as Fettuccine Alfredo, lemon pasta, and chicken fajitas, I think of Dom and am grateful for how he helped me perfect my skills in the kitchen. Dom’s eagerness to open his doors for his volunteers and share his love for cooking gives volunteers the opportunity to view how he adapts his life to combat multiple sclerosis while still preserving the things he loves. He is always up for challenges by tackling recipes with modifications to fit certain diets or allergies, or even just trying something new himself! Dom’s capabilities are endless and he serves as a great model. As I got to know Dom, he inspired me to pursue a career in preventative medicine to help ensure treatment plans that enhance longevity and quality of life. I am looking forward to ‘Dining with Dom’ because in a time like this it’s important that people always look on the bright side and take the time to showcase what they are passionate about. Dom has always had this mindset ever since his diagnosis despite the challenges set in his path, and I’m glad he has the platform to share his “appetite” with the community.

We hope you’ll join us for Distance Dining with Dom so you, too, can learn, be inspired by, and enjoy spending an evening with Dom. We look forward to seeing you June 14th!