Brighton Family Hopes Public Fills Mailbox With Birthday Cards For Sick Boy

By Tom Jordan

BRIGHTON (WWJ) - His name is Dominic Tyner, he's about to turn 11-years-old on March 27th, and his parents would like you to send him birthday wishes.

Why, you might ask? At his young age, this Brighton boy is suffering from two serious diseases.

"First one is eosinophilic esophagitis, which can mimic the feelings of a heart attack," said Dominic's mom, Danya. "The second is complex one mitochondrial disease."

Danya said the mitochondrial disease means Dominic's body can't produce enough energy to live a normal life and do things like grow hair and recover from sickness at a normal rate.

Danya said Dominic, or Little D -- as they call him, is homebound and as a result, he's too tired to play and his friendships have dropped off. So Danya and her husband, Dominic Sr., are appealing to the public, trying to give young Dominic the birthday of his life.

"When we get the mail everyday, he always asks if there's anything for him," Dominic Sr. said. "He loves to get mail, so I think him getting cards saying 'Hey, we're thinking about you. Happy Birthday!' it would brighten his day."

His parents have set up a P.O. Box for Little D, and are hoping the public can help stuff it full of greetings to make his 11th birthday one he won't forget.

Everyone is encouraged to mail cards to: Lil D Tyner, P.O Box 1627, Brighton, Mi 48116.