5K Keeping Boy's Memory Alive After Battle With Brain Cancer

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- When Nicole Stagnoli's son died of childhood cancer seven years ago,  she decided to do something to keep his memory alive.

Dominic Osorio was just seven-years-old when he died of brain cancer, but the little boy with the big smile became an inspiration.

"Dominic was your normal fun loving, energetic, superhero loving 5-year-old boy and about a month after his 5th birthday he was diagnosed with brain cancer," said Dom's mother, Nicole Stagnoli. "We fought for two years and then in November 2009 he gained his angel wings."

"It makes me feel really good that I can be a part of living on Dom's legacy by helping with the run and running in the run and just being a part of the whole thing," said Ashley Chafin, who's a family friend.

That legacy is being built by Dominic's mother.

"We started the "Do Believe" foundation," said Stagnoli. "The "D" and the "O" being his initials to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer since it's so underfunded."

Dominic loved superheroes and you'll see them in all sizes Saturday at the annual Dominator 5K, sponsored by Blue Dot.

"It's something we've been doing since year one," said Danielle Walker, with Blue Dot. "It's something we really support and something we really believe in."

In the first six years of the Dominator 5K, Blue Dot has helped raise $93,000 for childhood cancer research.

"It was such a sad thing what happened," said Bob Witt with Blue Dott. "It's just nice to give back to the community and the family."

The 7th annual Dominator 5K takes place in Forest Hill Saturday morning, with activities beginning at 8 a.m.

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