2nd Annual “I Know A Superhero Family Fun Festival” Website

ADAO Share Your Story: “Finding Hope with Mesothelioma” – David’s Story 

2014 Interview with David Dioguardi, Asbestos Superdad and Mesothelioma Warrior 

Posted on July 23, 2015

ADAO is Proud to Support CANVADomani Tripam has been raising asbestos awareness and advocating on behalf of asbestos victims since her father, David (or “SuperDad”) was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2011. Seeing the experience their “SuperDad” had to go through, Domani and her family were inspired to start the Mesothelioma Heroes Foundation to help the “heroes” affected by mesothelioma by raising public awareness, providing educational information, providing support to others, and promoting funding for treatment and a cure. ADAO is thrilled to support Domani and her family’s 2nd Annual “I Know A Superhero Family Fun Festival” event on August 22, 2015, and is honored to be the recipient of their fundraising efforts.

Terry Lynch, Vice President at the Insulators International Union,  said, “We are pleased to support the incredible work of Domani, her family, and the community as they bring critical attention to asbestos at the “I Know A Superhero Family Fun Festival” event. We are also proud of Insulators Local 17, in Chicago for opening their hearts and wallets to support this very worthwhile event.    

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Domani’s Interview (unedited)

Domani TripamLinda: Domani, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is honored to be the recipient of Mesothelioma Heroes Foundation’s event proceeds, but even more importantly, to support your family’s quest to raise awareness and research for a cure. Please tell me about you and your family, and of course, your 2nd Annual “I Know A Superhero Family Fun Festival” event!

Domani: We are so excited to be able to support the great work that ADAO is doing on behalf of all of those affected by mesothelioma. My father (aka “SuperDad”) was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2011.  At the time, he was given four months to live.  Thankfully, under the excellent care of University of Chicago, he is still fighting strong today.  Inspired by my SuperDad’s “heroic” fight, my family and I started a nonprofit to help others.  Our goal is to raise awareness of asbestos exposure, help others affected by mesothelioma and raise funds for medical research.  What better way to do this than by having a superhero-themed family festival?

The goal of the 2nd Annual I Know A Superhero Family Fun Festival is to educate the neighborhood we grew up in, a neighborhood at higher risk of asbestos exposure, about their risks of asbestos exposure while also raising funds to support the great work being done by ADAO and University of Chicago Medicine’s Mesothelioma Program.  Our event is held on the Southwest side of Chicago and includes entertainment for the whole family including a softball tournament, a bean bag tournament, live bands, live art, reptile display, bouncy houses, magician, balloon artist, superhero costume contest, face painting and so much more!

David interviewLinda: I’ve met your amazing father during the past years.  Please share your family’s philosophy for finding the rainbow in each day.

Domani: After being told he only had four months to live, my Dad decided that he never wanted to discuss timelines again.  We live every day to the fullest, plan lots of family experiences together and just do our best to focus on all of the wonderful things we have been able to enjoy with our Dad over the past four years.  We believe strongly that our SuperDad’s positive attitude has a lot to do with how well he has responded to treatment.  We are so grateful to have this “borrowed” time with him that it’s hard not to find the rainbow.

Linda: Your first event was a roaring success; tell us what you have planned for August 22nd?

2015 I Know A Superhero FlyerDomani: For our first event, despite weather challenges, we had almost 500 people attend.  It was a fantastic, fun-filled day!  We were thrilled, but knew we had to do more this year.  We wanted to double the attendance to educate even more people.  We explored other event ideas trying to determine how we might be able to attract and educate more people while raising more money as well.  In the end, we knew that a family-oriented event was the right event and I Know A Superhero was the right theme.  So, instead of changing the event too much, we moved our date into the Summer in hopes of better weather and higher attendance. 

In addition, we have been focusing on spreading the word even more than we did last year.  My sisters and I hit the neighborhood every couple of weeks passing out flyers and selling tickets.  We’ve been trying to promote more on social media as well.  In addition, we have partnered with organizations like our very generous Platinum Sponsor, the Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 17, who are at higher risk of asbestos exposure.  We know we will be able to make a larger impact by branching outside of our immediate network of friends and family.

Linda: What do you want others to know about your foundation, event, and your family?

Domani: We really want others to know that asbestos is still legal and lethal in the US, and it is critical that they educate themselves about it in order to protect their families from ever having to face what our father has.  Most importantly, for those faced with a diagnosis of mesothelioma and their families, we want them to know there’s hope.  Our family is living proof of that.

I Know A Superhero - Mom Dad and GirlsLinda: I love the family fun program, how can others support you even if they can’t make your event?

Domani: Every adult entry ticket includes a chance to win a cash prize.  Tickets are only $10 each and you can win $100, $250 or $500.  You don’t have to attend the event to win.  Event/raffle tickets can be purchased on our website at www.mesoheroes.org.  Of course, any donation is welcome and very much appreciated.

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Domani, ADAO salutes your incredible awareness and prevention efforts in the fight against asbestos. We are grateful for your work and know that you are truly making change happen!

In unity,

Linda

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