Skydive Raises $4,000 For Dorian J. Murray Foundation

MIDDLETOWN, RI — So, the jump went really well. On Sunday, July 16, State Rep. Robert A. Nardolillo (R-District 28 Coventry) along with 18 others, including family and friends of Dorian J. Murray, went skydiving in Middletown. They made the leap to bring attention to pediatric cancer. And they also collected some checks for cancer research. The event raised $4,000 for the Dorian J. Murray Foundation.

Dorian died March 8, 2016, after living four years with cancer. Shortly after his fourth birthday, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery followed until his illness would no longer respond to treatment. He may have lost his battle to live, but he made his mark. Dorian told his father he wanted to be famous in China, at the Great Wall. A simple Facebook post caught the attention of the world and what was once a family used slogan became an internet sensation; #Dstrong went global.

“I was very happy to coordinate this event with Dorian’s mother, Melissa," Rep. Nardolillo said. "The participation of Dorian’s family and friends was especially touching. I thank everyone for working together to help combat this devastating disease.”

Dorian’s parents created the foundation in the hopes of helping other families deal with the high cost of caring for sick children. Its mission is to bring awareness to pediatric cancer, to support research focusing on new medicines towards finding a cure, and to help other oncology families in need. The Dorian J. Murray Foundation hopes to change how childhood cancer is viewed and treated.

"Skydiving For A Cause is about bringing awareness to a charity in a very unique way," Nardolillo said. "Dorian's story of bravery, and his beautiful smile captured my heart, as well as hearts worldwide. It was an honor to be able to celebrate his life with his family and friends. On Sunday, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Dorian was definitely smiling down on us."