Dorian Murray, who passed away after a courageous fight against cancer in 2016, would have turned 11 this year -- and his family and friends are celebrating his life and impact.
Melissa Murray joined GoLocal News Editor Kate Nagle on GoLocal LIVE to talk about this Friday’s “#DStrong 11 in Heaven” event to celebrate the life and impact of her son Dorian, whose courageous battle against cancer sparked a worldwide phenomenon before Dorian passed away in March 2016.
"Dorian would be 11 [this year] had he survived cancer and it’s his third birthday in heaven," said Murray. "Although my family and my close friends celebrate him every year in our special way, I thought it would be a really great opportunity to celebrate Dorian for the community and to do a fundraising event, so we’re just celebrating his life."
Murray said that the event, which will take place at Skyline this Friday, is going to be a “great time.”
“We want it to be full of laughter and love and memories of Dorian, so we have some comedians coming and they’re going to make us laugh, and we’ll have a doctor of mind tricks, if you will,” said Murray.
Murray said that three years later, people continue to reach out on the impact that Dorian — and the #DStrong movement — has had on them.
"Every day people reach out and they just remind me how much love Dorian brought them and they share when they’re having a hard time in their life and they remember Dorian and how he impacted them and gives them the strength to keep going," said Murray. "It’s wonderful. Dorian has been gone almost three years in March and the fact that people are still touched by him and moved by him, it makes me as his mom know that he was special to people -- and he would have liked a big birthday party."
Murray spoke to the work — and impact — of the Dorian Murray Foundation has had to date, from providing meals to families with children battling cancer, and helping with financial assistance for families that might be struggling with mortgage or car payments along with medical care — and also providing emotional support.
"There are so many moms and parents in general who will reach out to me, just knowing that I’ve been through this and they’re going through it with their children," said Murray. "I’m really grateful and thankful that Dorian gave us this opportunity to be that person for people in Rhode Island who are dealing with cancer."
Murray also spoke to the blood drive taking place this weekend, to honor Dorian's memory.
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Two of the best weeks all winter long is Providence Restaurant Weeks.
Choose from menus at nearly 100 restaurants. Enjoy three-course lunches at $16.95 and three-course dinners at $29.95 or $34.95, as well as two-for-one specials.
Providence Restaurant Weeks will be held from January 13-26.
No better way to get into the holiday spirit than to hop aboard the Polar Express.
The train runs through December 23.
The trip includes a 90-minute excursion on a real-life train that is filled with a reading of the classic children’s story, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate served in a souvenir mug, delicious cookies, games, and a special visit from Santa where he personally delivers the first gift of Christmas to every child.
Night Lights is a walking experience throughout 15 acres of glowing gardens, where more than 200,000 lights have been thematically placed among the trees, shrubs, fountains, and statuary to create a magical winter wonderland celebrating plants and nature.
The display runs from November 23 through December 30.
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village is an evening filled with New England holiday traditions, live musical performances, storytelling, sleigh rides, festive foods, a roaring bonfire, and strolls around the decorated Village Common.
Christmas by Candlelight begins November 30 and runs through December 23.
Whether you are skating on a pond or at one of the many ice rinks across the region like the Alex & Ani Center in the heart of Providence.
The skating center provides a full schedule of activities to carry you through the winter including adult and kids skating sessions as well as activities for the entire family.
For the adventurous out there, Adventure Spirit in Vermont is your place for ice climbing. Choose from climbing at Bolton Quarry, Bristol Cliffs or even Smuggler's Notch to be lead by one of their experienced instructors.
Be prepared to spend your day strenuously climbing some of nature's frozen streams and flow offs. They also offer alpine climbing and outdoor rock climbing for those who wish to fully test their limits.
You watch curling in the Olympics every year and you love it. So try it this winter.
The Ocean State Curling Club has your curling fix. Hosting events and tournaments or "bonspiels" at the Veteran’s Memorial Ice Rink in Cranston, RI, the Ocean State Curling Club is a "social club for anyone interested in recreational curling." The club also offers lessons for those who want to learn the sport.
For snowmobiling enthusiasts, Pittsburg, New Hampshire might be the snowmobiling capital of New England with more than 200 trails, all filled with great adventures.
The Tall Timber Lodge offers a variety of packages that include rentals, dinners, lodging and much more. If you need a break from the trails, the lodge also consists of a spa.
For those that love skiing, well this is your season.
Grab your poles and skis and head down to the East Bay Bike Path for some Cross Country Skiing. Of course, you can go cross-country skiing anywhere there is snow and some flat land, but the East Bay Bike Path stretches about 14 miles from Bristol to India Point Park in Providence.
No better way to get into the holiday spirit than by going down to Trinity Rep to see A Christmas Carol.
As is the company’s custom, the entire production will be completely new from casting to design and theatrical magic. This past season’s production became the highest selling show in Trinity Rep history.
Embrace the call of the wind and go up to New England Dog Sledding for dog sled tours. Tours are pulled by trained and "friendly" Husky sled dogs and are offered throughout the area.
Ultimate Dog Sledding is located just 40 minutes from Portland.
The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions.
The Preservation Society of Newport County invites you to make holiday memories with your family by visiting The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House this holiday season.