Domino’s Helps Save Kids – Just Like Yours
Phillip Pedigo started his career with the Domino’s brand in 2007. He is currently the vice present of administration for Jason Shifflett, a Domino’s franchisee in Memphis, Tennessee. But, first and foremost, he is a father, and his daughter is a cancer survivor.
In the spring of 2011, Phillip and his family noticed that something was not quite right with Allyson – she lost her appetite and was complaining about pain in her side. At the pediatrician, an ultrasound revealed a softball-sized mass in her abdomen. Immediately, the doctor referred Allyson to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, where shew as diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a type of cancerous tumor.
“Our time at St. Jude felt like we were at home. From walking through the doors until we left – we did not have to worry about one thing,” Phillip said. “All expenses were covered from meals to transportation. St. Jude also provided other necessities to us, as well as Allyson’s sister. There was not one minute of worrying.”
Allyson is cancer-free now. She participates in After Completion of Treatment (ACT) Clinic at St. Jude. The team at the ACT Clinic thoroughly runs tests each year to see how she is developing. She loves attending these visits because she gets to be around other survivors and current patients. The staff at St. Jude sends Allyson’s family periodic updates on different medications and their potential effects on Allyson’s body – all based on genetic studies they did as part of her treatment.
“St. Jude doesn’t just care about the cancer. They care about the whole patient, during and after treatment,” Phillip said.
Phillip is grateful for the chance to give back to the place that saved his daughter’s life through his work.
“The Domino’s and St. Jude relationship has a special place in my heart,” he said. “The combined efforts of corporate and franchise team members and customers across the country have allowed Domino’s to support the critical work done at St. Jude – the work that saved my daughter’s life.”
Phillip’s team in Memphis is aware of St. Jude and the work they do because of its prevalence in the community. Phillip and his daughter have taught the team that childhood cancer doesn’t discriminate. It could affect anyone, and Domino’s has a chance to help more kids like Allyson.
To support the St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign, visit https://www.stjude.org/donate/tg-dominos.html.
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