SI Got the Message

(good looking out Benji)

Bring It Messages

My name is Tim Johnston. My mother Marilyn is a good friend of Don and Jane Ambriz. I never had the opportunity to meet their wonderful son, or Don and Jane for that matter, but their son's life as well as their own has been an inspiration since my mother first told me he had cancer.

I, like so many have asked why God could take someone so young with so much life to live. I've thought long and hard about it, I've come to this conclusion which I will accept as God's answer. Dominic's purpose in this life was complete, his sacrifice of more time on earth like so many before him has caused us all to focus on the things that really matter.

God, Family and Friends. It's amazing how God works. Dominic's life was an inspiration to someone he never knew and I am forever grateful! To Don and Jane. The world has been looking for an example of God's Love. I think we have all witnessed it in the last 62 days.

I did not directly know him, but I can tell that his character has influenced more people than anyone could imagine. He was surrounded by good people. People like him are a blessing in our lives and will always live in the hearts of those who he touched. Mine and my family's condolences and prayers go out to his family and network of friends.
Javier Monge

This morning when I woke up, Dom was the first person that came tomind and he has remained there since. Yesterday was one of the mostincredible days I have ever experienced. As painful as it was and willcontinue to be, I was reminded how amazing our whole group is and howmuch Dom has changed all of us forever.When I got out of bed, I wentoutside to get the paper and read my dad's beautiful article. AlthoughI had already read it a couple of times yesterday, I took it into theroom where Amy was sleeping and we read it together, lying in bed. Icontinue to be amazed by my sister's strength. We joked about how ifDom saw us being lazy in bed, he would tell us to get up and take a run.

Tacketts- thank you for opening up your home to all of us yesterdayand last night. What a special day.

I love all of you so much. Let's live every day the way Dom would wantus to and continue to bring it. - Katie Benham

My name is Rita Martinez and I was a long time business associate of Earthworm Studios, a soft place to fall. I was deeply saddened when I received the email and article from my son Jonathan Martinez who still lives in Bakersfield 1/2 block from where Don and Jane used to live on B Street. Jonathan lives in my house on the corner of 22nd and B Street. I have since moved to the beach.

I would like to make a donation in the area where Don and Jane need it the most. They must be devastated. I myself have been a regular at Cedars at the Guilda Radner Center for nine years and one thing I know is our children should never leave their parents first. But as a believer, God wants the great ones also. I guess that's why this grumpy woman is still here. My children John and Rebecca absolutely adored Don Ambriz and thought he could draw and accomplish anything. I still have his work hanging at both my houses. Remembrances of the past are most cherished. Every time we pass their old house on B street, we all remember the Ambriz family. Some people you never forget as they have maintained such an impact on your life. Please email so I may forward some money or be of help in some other way. I would have loved to attend the celebration of his life and see Don and Jane, but I just got the news this afternoon.

To Don and Jane and his cherished friends, I'm so sorry,
Rita A. Martinez

Californian Article

Here is a touching article that ran in Sunday's Bakersfield Californian. Thank you to Herb Benham for taking the time and sharing these thoughts with our community.

http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/531415.html

Last Call T-Shirts

Dominic designed the shirt; it was a self-portrait caricature of himself after his first surgery. It will be available in white ink on a black cotton t-shirt, in adult sizes of SM, Med, L, XL, XXL.
Only $10 each shirt, which will cover the cost of printing & shipping anywhere you need.

Many of you requested shirts - we are extending the deadline to Wednesday. Email Don, your order now if you are interested.

If you are interested you can order by:

PayPal – www.paypal.com
Enter in Don’s information for payment - dambriz@webcalligraphy.com & make sure in the comments section to include your quantity, sizes & shipping address info.

OR

Snail Mail…first send an email to Don dambriz@webcalligraphy.com to inform him of your quantity, sizes & shipping address info. Then mail a check made out to Don Ambriz to:
2121 Pacific Coast Highway #2, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Celebration of Life - Today

Reminder we will be gathering today to Celebrate Dominic. See you there. Thursday, August 21, 2008 @ 2pm PST Sharkeez Manhattan Beach 3801 Highland Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 **bring quarters for parking

Bring It Video by Craig Palumbo

I can't figure out how to get this awesome video to play in the blog, so go directly to the link below to see a small piece of magic that Craig Palumbo put together in Dom's honor. Great work Craig.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHM9EQmqVdE

Bakersfield Celebration of Life Memorial

661! Dom had such a pride about him being from Bakersfield (Bako) & it is where the family feels his final Celebration of Life should be held. We are fortunate enough to hold the Celebration at Franklin Elementary School – centered in old-West Chester, the neighborhood Dom ran around until he left for Otis (and the many trips back).

Please join us for some words, a couple songs from friends, artwork with tons of hugs & laugher too. There will be food & refreshments provided, all ages welcomed, and casual dress strictly enforced.

Saturday, August 23, 2008 @ 10am

Franklin Elementary School
2400 Truxton Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93301
***look for the marquee that was designed by Don Ambriz

LA Celebration of Life Memorial

It’s time to celebrate Dominic’s life & there is no better place in LA than Dom’s favorite spot – Sharkeez, Manhattan Beach. We spent countless days & nights there watching football, celebrating birthdays, grabbing a burrito or dancing (yes there are plenty of times Dom could be found on the dance floor at Sharkeez).

If you are available, please come and visit some with friends & family in a Celebration of Life – there will be short words from friends, music directly from Dom’s play list (clean versions), some of his art will be on hand & of course, plenty of reminiscing.

Small bites of food will be provided & there will be a no-host bar available. And of course, in true Dom fashion, this is a casual dress event. All ages welcomed.

We will see you there & if you have any questions, please shoot me an email.

Thursday, August 21, 2008 @ 2pm PST

Sharkeez Manhattan Beach
3801 Highland Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
**bring quarters for parking

The Champ is Gone

I remember the very first call I received from Dom; mid-week, about 2am Central Standard, and Dom was a little timid. He told me about his blackout headaches, trips to the hospital & now, the fact he was going to have a surgery to see if this growth an MRI revealed was cancerous. That call was in January of 2006.

Much has happened since then. The BRING IT lifestyle was born, friendship bonds have been strengthened, a role model for how parents should care for their children happened, and a lot of good laughs were had throughout this fight. I think that is very important to know that our fighter never stopped his life – he went on trips, celebrated birthdays, rang in the New Year & made plenty of stops at Del Taco. Dominic lived ever since that first phone call.

Today at Cedars, day 62, a wonderful group had collected to spend time with our fighter. Kelly & Matt had Del Taco for everyone (even low carb-Amy had one), Scoob & Jane were there, and of course Don was there with his coffee. I was lucky enough to be there too as we joked around, told stories of KFC biscuit runs, Olympic viewing parties & junior high exploits. Matt & Kelly had to leave & it seems they weren’t the only ones who wanted to go.

There we were, a collection of a son, a brother, a boyfriend & a best friend. We all were passing the time in our own ways, when Dominic finally gave up the fight. I am sorry to report that this afternoon at 1:49pm, Dom took his final breath. It wasn’t graphic or painful; he slipped away when we all were looking away. The love in that room was so tangible & wonderful. The 5 of us huddled around our champion & all had our goodbyes.

We kissed him goodbye for all of you. Over these final two months you have all been there & not only the family knows it, but Dom himself was aware of the love that he was at the center of. It is an emotional day, true, yet, some part of me knows that Dominic fought harder & longer than anyone else ever could or would have. Even in his final days he Brought It – something I hope each of you take on.

There will be more on arrangements (one in LA & one in Bakersfield) a little later. Until then, thank you each for being wonderful to Dom, supportive of his fight, and part of the BRING IT community.

Bring It. Live It.

Bring It Wristbands

Before Dom’s second brain surgery, he had wristbands made that were inscribed with what has become his battle cry – BRING IT. I started out wearing mine every day as a show of support for his fight. Over time, the wristband has come to represent so much more to me. It is symbolic of Dominic – simple and unassuming, yet makes a bold statement. Throughout this time that I have shared with Dom and his family and friends at Cedars-Sinai, I have witnessed strength, love and determination that is unparalleled. His battle has taught me the importance of being good to oneself, staying positive, living life to the fullest, and demonstrating courage in the face of adversity – ideas that have become the mantra of the “Bring It Crew”.

You too can show your support for Dominic and his family by wearing a Bring It wristband. Let it be a reminder to you to live a “Bring It Lifestyle” every day, just as Dominic has done and continues to do.

Because Dom’s original wristbands were gone so quickly, an identical batch has been produced. The proceeds from the sale of the wristbands will go directly to the Ambriz family in an effort to help defray the increasing out-of-pocket costs as Dom’s fight continues.

If you would like to become an official member of the “Bring It Crew” and make a donation towards Dom’s cause, whether it be $5 or $5,000, you can do so via the following options:

A. Snail mail

Shannon Bonner
7200 Saddleback Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93309

Please make checks payable to Don & Jane Ambriz

As the school year is about to start, I am back in Bakersfield during the week. I will be doing the shipping from here, but will be delivering all donations to the Ambriz family as I travel to visit Dom every weekend.

or

B. Paypal

If you have a Paypal account, you can deposit your donation directly into the Ambriz account. If you choose this option, please make sure to email me at scoobbonner@gmail.com with your address so I can ship the wristbands out to you as soon as possible.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR LOVE & SUPPORT!
LOVE & BRING IT, Scoob

Bring It

Bring It. It’s a lifestyle. A community. A calling that Dominic made almost 32 months ago when he was told about his procedures that were needed to help beat his cancer. He told me one night when we were speaking that “as long as I have my boys, then Bring It.” Hence the mantra of his fight was born.

Many of you have asked about spreading the Bring It mantra on your own. New T-Shirts & Wristbands have been printed up for you to order if you’d like.

Dominic designed the shirt; it was a self-portrait caricature of himself after his first surgery. It will be available in white ink on a black cotton t-shirt, in adult sizes of SM, Med, L, XL, XXL. Only $10 each shirt, which will cover the cost of printing & shipping anywhere you need. We will be taking orders until August 22, 2008 (next Friday).

If you are interested you can order by:

PayPal – www.paypal.com
Enter in Don’s information for payment - dambriz@webcalligraphy.com & make sure in the comments section to include your quantity, sizes & shipping address info.

OR

Snail Mail…first send an email to Don dambriz@webcalligraphy.com to inform him of your quantity, sizes & shipping address info. Then mail a check made out to Don Ambriz to:
2121 Pacific Coast Highway #2, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Day 59

Hello everyone – sorry for the length b/w updates but I was on vacation & without a real internet connection. I have been in contact with Don daily though, and wanted to fill everyone in on the latest with Dom.

The wheels have been in motion for him to get back to the apartment but he is still at Cedars currently. There is a lot of “business issues” that still are being hashed out b/w the hospital & the insurance company, but the family has wisely let the patient advocate handle that mess & they are just focused on learning more about how to care for Dominic. Last week all other alternatives were given a last look – Hospice Facilities, nursing facilities, et al, but none of those would work. Some were not up to the standard of care Dom would need & others rejected him for the meds he is on. It’s difficult to find the right match but at this point a move back to Dom’s apartment in Hermosa Beach looks to be the route that will finally happen. I don’t have a timeframe for anyone looking to visit or anything, but I know Jane, Scoob & Amy have prepared the apartment & are looking into getting a little professional nursing help once the move is made. We will see how that goes once the move is completed.

As for his health status – it is close to the same for about 2 ½ weeks now. He is awake, but his days are becoming tougher. Seizures are happening a little more often, food & meds aren’t staying down as much, etc. But everyone is committed to making his time as comfortable as possible be it in the hospital or at home.

I will inform everyone when the move is made & if there are any new developments in his situation. As always, thank you for you continued support. It is draining on all of us, but the fight continues and we all need to have the endurance to continue supporting Dom & each other. – M

Bring It. Live It.

Up to date...

Another Sunday update from the Bring It world we all live in now. In the past few days many things have happened, yet not much has changed with Dom’s condition. His health remains as previously postings have described; he has turned more nocturnal now staying awake much of the night watching TV & sleeping much of the days. He isn’t eating too much as you can imagine, but there are times he drinks some water, or takes a few spoonfuls of Ensure. He digestive track is starting to work again (I’ll just leave that up to you to decipher) after nearly a month without use. Most communication is with a slight head nod or hand squeeze.

It’s the hand squeeze that I’d like to pick up on the story that has been going on for the past few days at Cedars. As you know, there are many heroes fighting along side Dominic, the 4th floor staff at Cedars being a battalion in his army of support, who many credit with the care that has helped sustain Dom in these grave times. Well the time has come for Dominic to leave Cedars now; mainly insurance reasons. I will spare you much of the back-story that took place but the conflict left a decision to be made rather quickly. There was an immediate scramble by the staff to intervene, but there is only so much the doctors can do to fight red tape. We then turned to the “Magnificent Mattel Machine” to see if they could apply any pressure and or advise in this situation.

I cannot emphasis enough how astonishing Mattel acted - it started from an email to a peer of Dominic’s, and then it went from Manager level, to a VP on vacation to the President himself intervening & taking action. It was amazing to witness the urgency & dedication the Mattel family put in. Much love to all of Mattel & special “kudos to Paul, Cindy, Evelyn, Mark, Alan, the CEO and the President himself!”

Well, that left us with time but a new solution was needed. His doctor asked Dominic to squeeze his hand when he heard where he wanted to be, “Cedars, a nursing facility or home.” Dom clutched his hand when he heard he could head home; so the decision was made. Monday afternoon [tomorrow] Dom will have a simple procedure to place a G-Tube (sounds kind of thuggish, so I’m sure Dom wont mind), which will enable an easier method of delivering nourishment & medication. Once that gets settled in & Don & Jane take a crash course in nursing, Dom should be home in Hermosa by week’s end. Hospice will set up his apartment with everything, but sadly there will no longer be 24-hour care on site. Some of the nurses have given their personal phone numbers to the Ambriz family & said they will come by to help & visit with Dom (he has inspired so many people). Don & Jane will be administering the medication & this point. I will let you know once that move is complete b/c I’m sure many of you will want to say hi.

For obvious reasons we’d love to have the chance to keep Dom at Cedars, but this is a great option too. Friends & family can come much easier now, Dom will be able to see his art & creations, catch up on his overloaded TiVo, and have some sense of familiarity. It was 50 days ago we went to Cedars; we thought we’d leave a lot sooner, and then we thought Dom might never leave. This journey has us each guessing & there are unpredictable turns everywhere; but there are two constants that we all should draw strength from:

1. Dom will never give up his fight.
2. The Bring It Community will never give up on Dom.

Bring It. Live It.

From Don & Jane re: MATTEL

The "Magnificent MATTEL Machine," has been beyond Amazing throughout Dom's challenging journey. We need to sing their praises about being such a caring company with great integrity who keeps the best interests of the employees at heart...who step up with compassion and assistance and intervention when needed...and how impressed we as a family all were when MATTEL’s CEO & President immediately got involved - and how everyone, with big & small titles show the same caring compassion and immediately step up to offer their assistance. We think that everyone should show their support at the grass roots level and go out buy MATTEL toys for any and all occasions! And to relay the MATTEL story to all who will listen!

Mattel is a Corporate-Citizenship Role Model!

Messages...

From Tracy:
Many a day in the early morning part of it, as I am lying in bed thinking about the start of my new day surrounded by 2 dogs and 3 cats, my thoughts drift to the two of you in room 4811 where I can see you sleeping side by side in a twin roll away bed with one's feet at the other's head and I am reminded of the time, long ago when you told me
how you and Jane had made a pack with each other that you would always be there for your children - no matter what! The images of the day I visited you all several weeks ago at Cedars will stay with me and show me what true love is, and how in the face of fear, and utter exhaustion, WHAT the face of complete and utter devotion looks like. I saw what it means to TRULY STAY THE COURSE. There was a grace about the two of you
that reminded me of how Generals McArthur and Patton must have felt in the war room during World War Two: Resilience, Weariness, Sadness, Tactical Actions/Plans and above all no one is to give up. (Thank you Prime Minister Churchill.) I was just thinking yesterday, I really want you to go home to H.B. and be there with the Family and so Jane can have something to eat other that her institutional soup and that was before I even new this is what the new plan is.

Also, I have been wanting to write but I wasn't sure about my love for Hellyboy is the appropriate subject matter but what ever and the hedoublehockysticks is really coming out of me now.

Last week, I saw Hellboy 2. I have always loved Hellboy. Really I love the director, Guillermo del Toro. I was introduced to his work, with the film "Cronos" which I saw at my beloved Tejon Theater (member our going away party for Tim and Karrie at the theater. Did I mention they are now incredibly successful in Austin, TX.)

I got thinking about the nature of Hellyboy and I wonder the following: would Dom and Scoob watch Hellboy on their weekly Friday movie nights? Would Dom have created the Hellyboy character and then make a mask, hang it on his wall where upon Amy's Jeff would ask him about it. Really, I think for me, Dom and Hellyboy share some of the same traits: the obvious - strength. A good look - ok, Dom isn't red but I could totally
see him wearing a duster and if he carried guns he would carry a big one. Dom and HB share a need to be honest and true about what is at hand. Maybe Dom doesn't love kittens to the extent HB does, but perhaps if he didn't live in an apartment he would get a kitten. I'm not sure he has or would ever develop a taste for Cuban cigars and really chances
are D and J would nix that one. Ultimately, for me what reminded me of the similarities between Dom and Hellboy are their traits of strength/gentleness. Both are with-in them like two heads of the same coin. In this one scene, Hellboy has to fight a monster while holding a new-born baby. To me, I could see Dom doing that. If Dom would have had
children (let's pretend he and Scoob are parents) and Scoob has to go to Target - well, first Dom would be lifting weights in the living room with one hand and holding the baby with the other. He would be utterly devoted to his child - just like his parents.
I love you Don and Jane Ambriz!

Tracy Lovelace signing off.

*******************************************************

From Rebecca (Dom's cousin)
Dominic,

I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!

Please know, I'm praying for you with my whole being, Dominic.
I think of you often through out the day.
I have my autographed “Bring-IT” t-shirt hanging in the bedroom so
every time I walk-in a prayer goes out.

I'm praying for you all!! I love you Aunt Jane and Uncle Don!!

Honestly, I've been checking the blog daily, but I just didn't know
quite what to say.

Dominic, you've taught me a great deal through your "Bring-It"
lifestyle. I have learned so much about you through this blog. I
loved the picture of your Marathon FINISH and Muscle Men Swimming
photo! Actually, I've started juicing... I want to live a healthy
lifestyle! You really do push people to challenge themselves by way of
example, thank you.

I love you so much!

(Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Marshall for setting this blog up, I
can't express in words how wonderful this has been to share in this
community!)

All the best,
Rebecca