Hundreds Walk for Steven

Steven Domalewski went to the prom this year.

Going to the prom is something that most teenagers probably take for granted. But for Domalewski, it is a testament to how far he’s come in five years.

Domalewski got out of a car and walked up to the crowd at the annual Walk for Steven Sunday afternoon at Rifle Camp Park in Woodland Park.

Domalewski was pitching in a little game in June 2006 when a baseball hit back to him struck him on his chest in between heartbeats. The sudden impact caused a rare condition - commotio cordis, a sudden disruption of the heart’s rhythm -  to occur. His heart stopped for four-and-a-half minutes. He suffered severe brain damage and was confined to a wheelchair.

“Nobody plans on this happening but when it does, you’ve got to come together and help each other,” said John Kerr, one of the event’s co-organizers. Kerr is director health and physical education and recreation at the YM-YWHA of North Jersey, which sponsors the event. “It really does take a village to raise a child and this is it in practice.”

But Domalewski has made incredible progress. The annual event raises money so Domalewski can receive cutting-edge treatments from the International Brain Research Foundation.

“In many ways, he is still the same person he was before the accident. He does understand jokes. He still has a sense of humor,” Steven’s father Joe said. “He still makes us laugh.”

Domalewski smiled as he walked to the start line to begin the annual event. Hundreds of people donned bright yellow T-shirts and followed Domalewski through the woods during the event, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars since it was first held five years ago.

“It is remarkable,” Bill Domalewski said. “It’s almost as if the town has adopted him.”

Domalewski’s nurse said that he works everyday to get better.

“He’s amazing and so inspiring,” Sue Schuck said. “It’s day to day with him. He tries so hard to improve and get better.”

The unexpected nature of the injury seemingly amplified its impact on the Domalewski family and the Wayne community.

“A couple of years ago he couldn’t walk. It’s really heartwarming to see him now standing up and walking,” said Brian Barakat, the event’s other co-organizer. “I’m so proud of him.”

Friends of the Domalewski family said that the most important thing is to remain vigil in their support.

“I’m so happy that all these people came out to see him. It truly is remarkable the amount of support the community has given to Steven and his family,” said Janice Canatatro, a lifelong friend of the Domalewski family. “The very best way to help them is to just to show them that we care about them and what they are going through. We just want to support them.”

For more information about Domalewski, or to make a donation, click here.