Where does the time go? We are getting ready for the 5th Annual Do It For Dom Music Festival, taking place July 12th at the Steel Pub in Bethlehem. The event is dedicated to raising awareness, funding cancer research and support organizations, and, of course, celebrating the vision Dom created.
For those who may not know our story:
On June 14th, 2021, we lost Dominic Bridgeman to cancer. While undergoing treatment in the hospital, Dom came up with the concept for this foundation.
“Dad, I know what I want to do with my life when I beat this thing and get out of the hospital. I want to find a way to help others and their families who are going through this — encourage people to get early and regular check-ups and motivate those going through this journey.”
So, we took over where he left off.
Organizations that have benefited over the past five years include Star Treatments, Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, The V Foundation, Angel 34, Battle Borne, Movember, the American Cancer Society, and Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley.
After losing Dom, I got serious about my own health, scheduling a physical and those sometimes not-so-pleasant preventive tests. I joked with my doctor, “Okay, you can get off my a## — literally. I scheduled the colonoscopy, and I’m only two years late.”
His response?
“No, Ray. They changed the recommended age to 45. You’re actually seven years late.”
What I expected to be a routine colonoscopy turned into a polyp removal, complications, a stay in the ICU, and the frightening wait for biopsy results. Then came the call:
“It’s not cancer, but it likely would have become cancer in the future.”
Seven years late for a routine preventive test. That experience could have turned out very differently if I had kept putting it off or had taken the test on time.
A few years later, while talking with friends and family, I wondered: Is anyone really listening?
Then, a day or two before one of our events, I received a call from a colleague apologizing that they couldn’t attend. He said:
“Last year, I listened to Dom’s story and his mission, and your experience. Long story short — after a check-up and some treatment, today I am cancer-free.”
That moment reminded me exactly why we continue doing this.
If Dom were here today, he would tell you not to put off those exams and tests. Cancer is not always preventable, but it is often beatable — especially when caught early.
Key Cancer Survival Statistics When Caught Early
Breast cancer: When detected early and in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is over 99%.
Lung cancer: Patients diagnosed at stage I have a 57%–63% chance of surviving five years or more, compared to only 3%–4% when diagnosed at Stage IV.
Common cancers: For eight common cancers — bladder, bowel, breast, cervical, womb, melanoma, ovarian, and testicular — about 80% of patients survive at least 10 years when diagnosed at Stage I or II.
What remains clear is this: we cannot find a cure without continued research, and research requires funding.
Find a cause or organization you believe in and support it however you can — through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness.
I hope to see you at the Do It For Dom Music Festival on July 12th at the Steel Pub, 320 E. First Street, Bethlehem, PA. We have a great lineup featuring Tim Harakal, Lilly Moss, Emo Class Reunion, and RadioOne, along with a silent auction.
Please come out and support us. And if you cannot attend, please consider donating so that one day no other family has to go through this.
As Dom would say to both new friends and lifelong friends alike:
“Love & Appreciate You So Much!”
