A Community Comes Together
A three‑year‑old boy named Carter Dominick was diagnosed with a brain tumor in July 2025, and the disease resurfaced after surgery earlier this year. His father, Cody Dominick, an engineer with the Columbia Fire Department, now faces the challenge of balancing treatment appointments with work responsibilities.
Fundraising on the Ice
In response, firefighters from the Columbia Fire Department and the Myrtle Beach Fire Department organized a charity hockey game that brought together first‑responders, their unions and community members. The event featured donations, the sale of custom merchandise and raffles, all aimed at generating financial support for Carter’s medical expenses.
Beyond the game, the department’s crew arranged coverage for Cody’s shifts, allowing him to take leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Union representatives and fellow firefighters swapped duties, ensuring that the family could focus on the child’s treatment without the added stress of lost income.
The collective effort underscores how local emergency services can extend their support beyond emergency response, turning a routine match into a lifeline for a family confronting a serious health crisis. Organizers say the primary goal remains to raise sufficient funds to cover ongoing therapy and follow‑up care.