Make-A-Wish: Dominique Caradine’s strength runs deep, fueled by a mother’s unwavering support

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Imagine being told you have a heart condition that could trigger life-threatening episodes at any moment.

That’s the reality for 17-year-old Dominique Caradine, but thanks to his unstoppable spirit and the unwavering support of his mom, he refuses to let it define him.

Last October, Bartlett High School erupted with cheers, but this pep rally wasn’t just any school event. It was a moment dedicated entirely to Dominique. The 17-year-old doesn’t like being the center of attention, but on this day, he had a big reason to smile.

As the gym filled with excitement, a representative from Make-A-Wish Alaska revealed his long-awaited surprise:

“I get to tell you, on behalf of Make-A-Wish, you’re going to Disney World!”

Diagnosed at just 2 years old, Dominique has Long QT Syndrome, a genetic heart condition that can cause dangerous arrhythmia. The heart condition runs in his family. His mother, Yolande, and all five of his siblings have it too.

For years, Yolande has endured weekly nerve-blocking injections in her neck because of complications with her own medical device. But despite the pain, she has always taught her children that their condition doesn’t define them.

“If you let the condition overpower you, you ain’t going to make it,” she said. “So, no matter what the diagnosis says, you have to outlive that. And I said, ‘I know God had me to go through it five different times to let them know if momma can do it, so can you.‘”

For Dominique, that strength has fueled his biggest dreams, especially his love for basketball.

“I can really play basketball,” he said. “I really want to show people that I really exist.”

Beyond sports, Dominique has always been drawn to Spider-Man, a hero who never gives up, just like him.

“I like when he climbs walls and saves people,” Dominique said. “When you’re helping people, you take responsibility.”

That belief is something his mom sees in him every day.

“I would tell people to look at him as a person, over all of his diagnosis,” Yolande said. “When you do that, you won’t even see the sickness. You will see a young kid who’s living through it all. Even when he becomes Spider-Man, he on top of the world, so can’t nothing stop him.”

For a quiet teenager who doesn’t always step into the spotlight, Make-A-Wish Alaska gave him the chance to be the hero of his own story with a wish trip to Disney World.

Now back home, Dominique carries those memories with him, grateful for the experience and for the person who has always been by his side: his mom, his real-life superhero.

“I just want to say thank you for making this happen,” Dominique said.

If you’d like to help make more wishes come true for children facing critical illnesses, consider donating your unused airline miles by clicking here to Make-A-Wish Alaska and help us reach one million miles!

Stay tuned to Alaska’s News Source over the next two weeks as more Alaskan children have their respective wishes granted.

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