“Dorian, you’re famous in Australia!” “You are famous in Taiwan.” “Dorian, you are famous in China.” The Facebook page Praying for Dorian is overflowing with such sentiments, all followed by #DStrong, in honor of Dorian Murray, an eight-year-old boy from Westerly valiantly battling cancer.
On April 26, 2012, Dorian was diagnosed with Stage IV Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that targets the muscles of the trunk, arms and legs. After learning this past December that treatment would no longer benefit Dorian’s case, he and his parents decided to forgo any more chemotherapy, radiation, transfusions and discomfort. Now they’re looking to fulfill Dorian’s ultimate wish: to become famous.
The world has united in a heartwarming effort to make his wish come true, posting encouraging comments and photos on social media channels. Dorian has received visits from New England Patriot Rob Gronkowski and former player Patrick Pass, along with many other notable athletes. The Mystic Aquarium and Foxwoods Resort Casino hosted Dorian and his family, providing a bodyguard that never left his side, evidently because “Dorian is a celebrity and he will receive celebrity treatment,” as is posted on Facebook. Most moving of all, though, is the overwhelming number of photos posted by individuals walking along The Great Wall of China, holding up signs painted “D-Strong,” fulfilling Dorian’s wish for fame in China.
There is a quote by Desmond Tutu that can be found on the cover photo of the Praying for Dorian Facebook page, stating “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Dorian is the quintessential example of that light. Let’s all continue to help it shine bright. Use the #DStrong hashtag to spread Dorian’s story and make him the most famous Rhode Islander in the world. Facebook.com/PrayingForDorian
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