Dominic Pais to Walk Camino for Epilepsy SA Educational Trust

by Admin · Published August 29, 2024 · Updated August 29, 2024

Main photo: (CNS/courtesy CaminoDocumentary.org)

Young Catholic with epilepsy will walk the Camino de Santiago to raise funds and awareness for the Epilepsy SA Educational Trust

Dominic Pais, whose home parish is Blessed Sacrament church in Malvern, will be on the famous pilgrimage route in northern Spain from October 26 to November 1.

Diagnosed with epilepsy at just five years of age, Dominic is involved in several humanitarian issues, lending support to Gift of the Givers and Surgeons for Little Lives, and also to the volunteer organisation Search and Rescue South Africa (SARZA), which recently awarded him his ten-year cap, a testament to his commitment to saving lives.

He is also passionate about fostering cultural ties and social welfare, where he has done previous work for the Portuguese Welfare Society (PWS) of South Africa and is a current member of the Young South Africa Portuguese Society (YAPS).

After qualifying as a chef, Dominic transitioned to his family’s furniture manufacturing business, where he now spearheads sales in the SADC region.

With a background in scouting, Dominic loves hiking, having taken part in experiences such as international jamborees and challenging hikes, as well as long-distance bike rides, including the Durban to Johannesburg route to raise funds for the Quad-Para Association of South Africa.

The Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) is a network of pilgrims’ routes leading to the shrine of the Apostle James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain, where tradition holds that the remains of the apostle are buried.

Dominic will follow the route from Vigo in Spain to finish in Santiago de Compostela on November 1.

He has chosen the Epilepsy SA Educational Trust as the beneficiary of his walk because, as a person with epilepsy, he wants to give something back to an organisation that supports other individuals with the same illness.

The primary objective of the trust is to offer partial bursaries to deserving students. Despite the limitations, the trust’s steadfast support has been instrumental in transforming the lives of countless individuals for nearly two decades. The impact of this support has been profound, empowering talented students with epilepsy to achieve their academic aspirations and make significant strides in their personal and professional growth.

“I understand what challenges a person with epilepsy has,” Dominic said, “and I support the instrumental development involved in transforming the lives of countless individuals for nearly two decades. I want to be able to add to making a difference. Creating awareness both for epilepsy in general and for the Educational Trust is vital for me,” he said.

“I am a firm believer that everyone has the right to an education – and just because we as epileptics have our challenges, we shouldn’t be treated differently.”

To support Dominic Pais’ Camino de Santiago, go to Back a Buddy at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/camino-epilepsy-south-africa-educational-trust

Or follow on social media:

○ Instagram @caminoepilepsysa

○ Facebook – Camino For Epilepsy SA Educational Trust

○ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/camino-for-epilepsysa-educationaltrust/