Dust off the capes! Superhero Night July 11

 

Dust off your Spandex and cape, because Superhero Night is coming!

Our annual event with Medicine Hat Mavericks baseball team is set for this Saturday, July 11 at Athletic Park.

We'll be there alongside game day sponsor EBT Chartered Professional Accountants just inside the front gate, letting people know how to get involved with Extra Life and raise money for their local Children's Miracle Network hospital (in our case, the Alberta Children's Hospital).

The Mavs will take on the Regina Red Sox and fans are encouraged to dress up as superheroes. This game is always a ton of fun and sort of serves as the kickoff to our charity work for the year.

Photo courtesy Colton McKee/
Medicine Hat Mavericks

Of course, there's always a promotional item to buy and support our efforts. Last year it was a Superman-themed jersey; this year that same design is back, but in the form of a (much less expensive) cap! The Dominicstrong thumbs up logo is smartly placed at the back side too. No word on cost but if you can't make it to the game but still want a hat, contact us and we'll order what we can while supplies last. The last time the team did hats we bought 32 of them!

Another thing I'm excited about for Saturday is the first pitch. This year's first pitch thrower is Liam, a six-year-old who's spent a lot of time at the Alberta Children's Hospital.

Here's his story as told by his mom Abbie:

"Liam is a brave 6-year-old boy living with DEPDC5-related epilepsy. Since his diagnosis, he has faced multiple admissions and long stays at Alberta Children’s Hospital including numerous this year. showing incredible strength and resilience through every challenge. Liam’s courage, bravery, and determination continue to shine, even on the hardest days."

Any illness is tough when you're young. As parents, we want to know that we're getting the best possible care. When kids in our part of the province need it, the Alberta Children's Hospital is there with the specialists needed to figure out complicated situations.

It's been a crazy year for us, from tax season to dance season and now my role as communications director for the upcoming Special Olympics Canada Summer Games (plug!). Dominic hasn't had a lot of space in our minds. But sometimes that's how it goes when you're raising a kid; other parts of life come to the forefront in waves. We've always maintained that we serve Dom's legacy by raising charity work in his name in the same way you'd raise a child, so it's OK that this year isn't as big as last. It was 10 years last year so we sort of knew this is how it would go.

What's important is we're still there for him. We're so blessed to have a community that's done the same. You always show up. We love you for it.

See you Saturday.

Superhero Night No. 7: How did it make you feel?

 

Numbers on a scoreboard aren't the only way to win when it comes to Superhero Night. The better metric, in my mind, is how it made you feel.

And oh, there were plenty of feelings Saturday night at Athletic Park.

From reunions, smiles, and yes, the odd tear, the seventh edition of this special evening with the Medicine Hat Mavericks was one to remember.

When I wrote last week's blog post we had one first pitch lined up with Reid Hintz, an incredible young man who's endured 12 major surgeries, has limited use of his hands, rides in a wheelchair, and inspires every person he's around with his attitude.

What I failed to consider was that game day sponsor EBT Chartered Professional Accountants also had a first pitch. And since Trish now works there (for the third time, as of January), they asked her and Dominic's sister Samantha to handle the honours. Let's be honest, Trish never intended to throw the ball. It was all Sam's.

Reid and Sam both did a great job, with Reid bringing out his brothers to help slingshot the ball to the catcher. Huge ovations. Who was chopping onions?

With sunny weather and a hint of a breeze, it was a perfect night. Former first pitch thrower Katelyn returned to join us, as did so many other friends. The 501st Legion Badlands Garrison sent not one, not two... but five members from as far away as Calgary and Moose Jaw to entertain the crowd as Star Wars dark side characters. They've come to so many of our events over the years they're practically family.

The Mavericks went all-out with marketing, doing a photo shoot, a full story on their website, bringing in the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association to do face painting and their own superhero characters. Chat News Today ran a preview story too. No wonder 1,603 people came out to the park, tied for the team's third-best attended game so far in 2025.

We spread the word about Extra Life and how you too can make a difference for your local children's hospital by gaming. We played some board games with friends and strangers. And of course, we cheered on the home team.

It was a close game but the Mavs lost 6-4 to Moose Jaw. But there were other numbers worth mentioning. For the first time ever, the team chose to donate the 50/50 earnings to the hospital! The jackpot was close to $2,000. Limited edition Superman-inspired jerseys (which you can still purchase, by the way 😉) cost $94.50 including tax, with $30 of that automatically donated as well. Some folks just paid $100 and said make it $35.50. Our donation box showed $350 by the end of the night on its own.

And then there were the metrics you can't really measure. Team owner Greg Morrison got to the game late because he was busy helping coach a local junior baseball team to a provincial title! Best of luck to the squad headed to Kingston, Ont. for nationals. Morrison noted that the atmosphere at Athletic Park, even though he got there in the late innings, was "electric."

So many people who don't usually come to Mavericks games came Saturday because it's a unique event and a good cause. So many of them said something along the lines of "gee, we should come here more often, this is a good time!" This team supports the community, and it shows. Superhero Night generally marks the start of our charity season, and we couldn't have asked for a better kickoff.

Big news for game day

When we put out the call for a potential first pitch thrower we also asked if anyone had a lead for our public 25-hour game day Nov. 1-2.

A lot of folks replied, but one offer stood out.

Our big charity game day will take place this year at SixOneSix Entertainment in downtown Medicine Hat! Owner Ken has long supported us, from online auction donations to game day donations when we invariably come through to throw some axes and play VR at his business. But this time we'll spend the entire game day there, with the public able to join us and raise money for the children's hospital during regular business hours.

We are so thankful for the support. Clear you schedule for Nov. 1 so you can come down! We'll have mini-tournaments, challenge stations, giveaways, and much more.

Online auction sooner than we think

Our other big event is the annual online auction. It'll run Sept. 26-28 through our Facebook page, and we've already got a handful of items donated. If you or a business you know wants to do something, please reach out via email at donations@dominicstrong.com or by messaging Trish or I. Deadline for donations is Sept. 19.

A Super night is in store July 12

 

"There is a superhero in all of us. We just need the courage to put on the cape."

- Superman

The Medicine Hat Mavericks will indeed don capes next Saturday, July 12, for the seventh edition of Superhero Night. We'll be there along with some special friends, and we hope you are, too.

A photo came across our memories feeds today. It's Dominic, in his crib at home, wearing a cape with the Superman logo on it. After spending most of the prior 18 months at the Alberta Children's Hospital with leukemia, he was marked as terminal, told on Christmas Eve he'd be lucky to live another few weeks. Yet there he was six months later, a miracle we knew wouldn't last forever.

He got to throw out the first pitch that summer at a Mavs game, but died in September during his wish trip to Florida. In 2017, the Mavs held their first Superhero Night, with jerseys showing a cape on the back.

Since then the night has become a mainstay with the club, and every time they make a donation to the hospital via our Extra Life campaign. We are honoured to be a part of it.

I'm biased, but those first jerseys were always my favourite because of the cape. And wouldn't you know it, with the new Superman movie coming out July 11, they've come up with a new design that is very Kal-El inspired. And yes, you can buy them (with proceeds going to the hospital!).

A special first pitch

The team does a great job making Superhero Night special, from the jerseys to special in-game music and themed contests, to bringing in the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association and 501st Legion (charity group that cosplays as Star Wars dark side characters). One of the things we do is arrange a local kid who's spent time at the Alberta Children's Hospital to throw out the first pitch.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Reid Hintz; a true Superman himself. Here's what Reid's mom Rebecca has to say:

“Many times over the years I have been asked why the Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) is important in our area. Today as we sit here at ACH for a day filled with many appointments I have reflected.

Before October 2013 I didn’t see the huge significance to it. Then our third son, Reid, was born with a condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congentia (AMC) and transferred to ACH for 5 days after being born to establish the severity of his condition.

During this time, we had a battery of tests from many departments in the hospital. The team was created by his individual need during this time so they could conference and establish his medical plan for the upcoming years. We received immediate attention where other kids born with AMC in other areas of Canada can have up to a wait for 12-18 months to receive first medical attention and confirmed diagnosis with Shriners in Montreal. When Reid was roughly a month old, he had a hernia that required immediate attention because of the previous work up the team could consult with the new specialist on factors that changed the way they did the repair without having to undergo more testing and gambling to wait until he was already under to make these decisions. At 5 months old Reid started serial casting (which means going there for a cast change and manipulation every week). This lasted 30 weeks. Since then, he has celebrated 12 orthopaedic surgeries. Reid to date had more than 1,000 appointments in the past dozen years! Could you imagine our life if it meant having to travel to Montreal for treatments?!

- Home to ACH 299 km

- Home to Montreal 3,022 km

Right from a young age Reid brought people in with his cheeky smile. He has always been filled with an “I got this” attitude no matter what he faces. His favourite hobbies are giving his mother grey hair with his off-roading wheeling and nicely timed pun or dad joke!”

Reid's family has followed the #Dominicstrong story and they've got huge hearts. One of his brothers did a fundraiser for his birthday party one year for the hospital, presenting us the money at one of our events.

It's crazy to think it's been 10 years, and we haven't done much so far this year. But don't you worry, we'll have more to announce soon! See you at Superhero Night!

With great power... (Superhero Night No. 6, July 13)

How is it already July? How has it been seven years since the first Superhero Night with the Medicine Hat Mavericks baseball team? Life comes at you quick, but as Uncle Ben said, "With great power comes great responsibility." Now's time to sling some exciting news at you about Saturday, July 13!

At the first three Superhero Nights in 2017, 2018, and 2019, the players donned custom jerseys which were then sold off for charity. Coming into 2020, I had the idea of a Spiderman-themed design. Well, we all know what happened then: COVID. Once the team emerged again in 2022, they went with special socks. Last year it was hats. Our Dominicstrong network snapped them all up, helping us raise money for the Alberta Children's Hospital in the process.

Finally, we're doing those Spidey jerseys. And man do they look awesome! The game day sponsor is EBT Chartered Professional Accountants, who do a ton of charity work.

Like in past years, we'd really love if you could come to the game. It's a 7:05 p.m. start. But for out-of-towners, message Trish or I and we'd be happy to help you get your hands on one. Be warned, they're $100, and there won't be as many on the shelves as there were socks or hats!

The Mavs don't have to do this every year. There are so many wonderful causes to support in our community. But after Dominic threw out the first pitch in 2015, this one's become a bit of a tradition. Everyone — from the public address announcer mixing in superhero references and songs to the game day staff modifying between-innings contests to fit the theme — gets involved, and there's a different demographic in the crowd with more kids and adults dressed up. We are so thankful to have them suiting up again.

I'm expecting to see the 501st Legion (volunteers who cosplay as Star Wars characters) in attendance again, and of course we'll be there promoting Extra Life to anyone who'll listen.

One person I'm particularly looking forward to see is Mr. Keagan Hohn. Keagan first came to a Superhero Night when he was around seven years old, dressed up in Star Wars cosplay and involved in one of those mid-inning contests, except instead of a bat to hit a ball he used his light sabre! We knew the family because Keagan's been to the Alberta Children's Hospital since he was little.

Well, he's 14 now and still going to the hospital, though not for what he'd dealt with when he was younger. Now it's autoimmune encephalitis, which he describes as his immune system attacking his brain. The things he's gone through over the past two years is nothing short of terrifying, and the fact he's even able to get out to the game shows just what kind of superhero he is.

"He had influenza, his body went into hyperdrive," noted his mom of what happened in 2022.

Said Keagan: "It was a little bit frightening." Understatement!

When I asked him what makes the hospital special, he said "it's a place where kids can feel really comfortable, it's nice to have coloured walls (instead of boring white ones) and people who are there to help you."

Yes, Dominic is why we started doing this. But kids like Keagan are why we continue. They're all superheroes, and we feel a great responsibility to do right by them.

Hats off to all the superheroes

We do our charity work in Dominic's memory, but events like Superhero Night are a good reminder that we do it for all the kids who get help from the Alberta Children's Hospital.

Although we're no longer in the loop when it comes to being hospital parents and knowing lots of kids there, we know there are plenty from southern Alberta who travel to Calgary for specialized care.

Meet Reid (wearing the Red Sox hat in the photo above). He's a Little League player and was recently diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Even though he just finished his first round of chemotherapy, he was able to come home and be a guest of honour Saturday.

The young man beside Reid is Aiden, who's undergone numerous surgeries at the children's hospital including tumours, genetic disorders, and following a nasty accident involving boiling water that had him airlifted to Calgary. He, too, was a guest of honour and they both threw out first pitches.

Truth is, we could get a hundred kids to throw out first pitches any given year. Katelyn, the pageant winner in the photo, threw one in 2022 even though we'd never met her before that night. Turns out she goes to the hospital regularly too! And now she's a big part of our team, helping at all of our events. Incredible.

The Star Wars characters? They've been coming to the game pretty much since it started seven years ago. They're part of a group called The 501st Legion - Vader's Fist. It's an international charity organization featuring dark side characters. Usually seen at comic-cons, a baseball game is quite the departure - and can get pretty hot in all that armour! We love their dedication.

A local group known as Under the Stars came dressed as superheroes too, and the Mavericks sold out of the special edition #Dominicstrong hats (we bought 32 of them, after asking on our Facebook group if anybody wanted us to pick up a hat in their absence). Between those sales and the $100 in cash donations made to our table, we expect to have raised about $800 this year.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped. From the Mavericks and their staff (great job by P.A. announcer Guy with song selections and keeping the theme in mind all night), to our friends Bob and Krista manning our table, and all the friends we don't see often enough coming to watch the game and show support, it was a fantastic evening.

Only way it could've been better is if the home team won, but I was reminded that wins and losses are not the only metric of success.

Our daughter Samantha retrieved a foul ball during the game and it subsequently became her favourite thing in the entire world. She drew on it, named it ("Bally"), and was utterly thrilled to have two Mavericks players sign it. Full credit to the players, after a tough loss your mind isn't usually on serving the fans. But these guys didn't even pause and made my girl's night.

The other great memory I'll take is a 12-year-old who, upon hearing my usual spiel about what Extra Life is, was completely gung-ho about signing up and participating! We had a fantastic conversation and I really hope to see her and her friends involved sometime down the line. If she sees this, www.extra-life.org is the website and their Discord link is on the home page!

Next up for us? The online auction (dates TBA), then game day in November. As always you can make a donation and get a tax receipt by going to www.extra-life.org/team/dominicstrong.

Thanks, everyone, for the continued support.

Here's the plan

 

Photos of Dominic which we had on his hospital room window so that everyone knew it was his room

Normally by this time of year we've already had the Superhero Night game, already started asking for donations for the online auction, already got plans in the works for the 25-hour charity game day.

So we're a bit late. But late is better than never, right?

Truth is, life is pretty good for us. We're enjoying the summer, have great friends, happy at our jobs, and love our little family. Of course we wonder what it would be like with Dominic, but dwelling on that would be counterproductive.

So on to more good news! Let's start with the Medicine Hat Mavericks.

Superhero Night - Aug. 4

Before the pandemic started we had plans on doing a Superhero Night jersey with a Spider-Man theme for the game in 2020. Needless to say those got scrapped, and two years later the way the team does special nights has changed a bit too.

Gone are the jerseys, which were pretty expensive and also tough to get shipped from overseas in time during the current global economic climate. Instead, the team is doing special socks - far more affordable, easier to get in bulk but still a fun memento from the night.

The rest of the fun will be the same. Special music, games, and good times at the ballpark. Superhero Night is set for Thursday, Aug. 4 at Athletic Park, with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch. It's going to be a great night.

Please, tell your friends. Heck, tell your enemies! Let's fill the park.

Online auction - Sept. 30-Oct. 2

The online auction will take place Sept. 30-Oct. 2 this year, as always managed through our Facebook group (#Dominicstrong). If you know someone who might be interested in bidding, add them to the group please! We will start asking for donations in August.

If you run a business or know someone at a business who might want to donate an item, please contact us! This auction routinely gets 100-plus items, and our rule has always been if you donated last year, we're going to ask again this year.

Based on how late we are starting things I do expect a much smaller auction this year, and that's just fine. Every penny helps.

Extra Life game day - Nov. 5-6

Well it's official: We are doing a public 25-hour game day again for the first time in four years.

The Medicine Hat Lodge is hosting us in one of their big upstairs ballrooms, just like our first year. It'll kick off at 8 a.m. Nov. 5 and we'll play games and try to raise money for the Alberta Children's Hospital until 8 a.m. on Nov. 6.

Want to join us for the full 25 hours? You'll want to get in touch with us so that we can plan out some dedicated space for you, and make sure you've got a fundraising page set up through Extra Life. Only want to drop in for a few hours? That will work too! There will be plenty of games for all to play, and likely a few special silent auction items which we're going to hold over from the main online auction.

If anyone wants to help plan this event definitely let us know.

Extra Life update

In case you're not following along on our Facebook group, at the end of the previous blog post in April I mentioned that I was going to compete in Extra Life United. It wound up that I won the Carcassone tournament, worth US$4,000 to the hospital! It was truly a marathon and I've asked them politely to do it differently next time - the board game tournaments were definitely about attrition, rather than skill, which made them much different than the video game side of the event.

Unfortunately, the dates for Extra Life United 2023 are right at the busiest part of tax season for Trish, so we don't know when we'll be seeing our friends in that community next.

Well that's it for this post. Look for a recap of Superhero Night next week, and regular updates leading up to both the online auction and game day. This is the 10th year anniversary of Dominic's cancer diagnosis, so it's both special and especially tough. Thank you for keeping Dominic in your heart.