IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – One color is lighting up homes, yards, and social media across Idaho Falls this week — all in support of 18-year-old Dominic Nuñez as he continues his fight against cancer.
Dom’s favorite color is green, and community members are turning that favorite color into a visible show of support. People across the area have been changing their porch lights to green, lighting up trees and yards, wearing green, and sharing photos online using hashtags including #LightItGreenForDom, #LiveLikeDom, and #DOMinatingCancer.
The movement is also spreading through Facebook, where friends, neighbors, and community members continue to post messages of encouragement and prayers for Dominic and his family.
For Dominic’s mother, Shanna Nuñez, the outpouring has become deeply meaningful for her son and their family.
“Dom is a fighter. He always has been. He always knows his worth and is willing to show everybody,” Shanna Nuñez said.
She says Dominic has also drawn strength from the people rallying around him.
“Dom has also fed off of the community support, and it’s almost like I’m not done fighting. I don’t want to let these people down. I’m just going to keep pushing.”
That support has become especially visible this week, as green lights continue popping up across the community.
“And just seeing the community, everybody turning on their lights…there’s really no words that I can tell the community to show them exactly what they mean to us. And we’re so fortunate to live here,” Shanna said.
The idea is simple: even one green light can serve as a reminder that Dominic and his family are not alone.
A member of the community recently contacted the City of Idaho Falls about the possibility of illuminating the Idaho Falls water tower in green as part of a supportive initiative. After consulting with the city’s office, Local News 8 received a positive statement from Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw regarding Dom and the community of Idaho Falls.
“Our community has demonstrated tremendous kindness by showing Dom their love and support,” said Burtenshaw. “Our hearts go out to Dom and his family during this time.”
A parade of support
The community’s show of support will continue Saturday with a Parade of Support for Dominic Nunez and his family.
According to the event flyer, participants are encouraged to bring their cars and trucks and, if they have green rock lights or underglow, to shine them green for Dominic.
The group is scheduled to meet at the Albertsons on 25th Street in Ammon at 7 p.m., with plans to roll out at approximately 7:30 p.m. The route is expected to be shared with participants at the meet-up and will include a drive past Dominic’s home.
The event is another way for the community to show Dominic and his family just how many people are standing behind them.
A personal moment with Dom
Because of Dominic’s current condition, he was unable to participate in a formal interview for this story.
However, I was able to spend some time with Dom off-camera.
That conversation offered a more personal glimpse of the young man at the center of this community-wide show of support—and reinforced how much the people around him mean to him and his family.
Dom expressed gratitude for the green light that continues to spill through his bedroom window at night, and thanks the community for being so supportive.
For his mother, seeing that support grow throughout Idaho Falls has been emotional.
And for the community, the message behind every green light, Facebook post, and Saturday’s parade is simple:
Dominic is not alone.
To follow along and stay updated on Dom’s journey, visit his Facebook group, “DOMinating Cancer,” here.
