#AJSOARS
Donate here: http://www.gofundme.com/aj-soars
"As a kid, I always thought that I could move a mountain with one push. But over the past week, I have learned that with "help" that mountain moves much easier." -Adrian
Many have asked how they can help support our family. To this end, it was suggested to set up a GoFundMe account for AJ which allows people like YOU to donate to us. All donations made on this site go directly to us and anything helps. No contribution is too small.
About AJ:
On June 18, AJ appeared scatter brained, imbalanced and had slurred speech. After being seen by the pediatrician, she sent us directly to the ER. After blood work and a CT scan, we waited for results. The doctors determined that there was a mass (tumor) in his brain stem. He was immediately admitted into Wolfson's hospital where he then had an MRI and more bloodwork completed. Later, the experts came around and gave us the details about the tumor also known as DIPG. Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma is a cancerous tumor that embeds itself in the pons of the brain stem. Because the brainstem is the center of all essential functions for life, surgery is too risky and not an option.
We were completely devastated when doctors gave us a prognosis of 5-9% survival rate. As of now, he has been placed on daily radiation for 6- 8 weeks. We then have the option to seek eligibility for a medical study. Most importantly we ask that you keep us in your prayers because God works miracles and we believe that AJ is a miracle. Medicine can only go so far, but we know that God can heal him.
LINKS
Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ajsoars
Get your T-shirt: https://www.booster.com/ajsoars?share=6601405057538753
Get your bracelet: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AJSOARS?ref=s2-header-shopname
I still wake up and hope that our lives will be back to normal.
I think back and remember the cans alongside the register in gas stations with a picture of someone and a short description as to why they need donations. I remember seeing the commercials and even mail asking to support a cause. I remember giving to Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.
Just a few months ago, my heart ached for these families. Now, it's our baby (AJ) and his picture is amongst those…. Now, we will never look at Relay for Life, the Children's Miracle Network and others the same way. Ever.
We see all these babies, adults, and their families fighting with all they have, hoping that their loved one can be the one to survive. The disheartening part of it all is, if love could save them all, it surely would and I'm positive they'd all be living. This life...It's a heavy hard life, but also filled with happiness and people that show us God's love through their kindness and generosity.
We are reminded each day of what can be accomplished when we open ourselves up to receive the goodness from those around us. There have been so many of you rallying around us to support us in any way possible; from making phone calls, coming to visit, offering to get our yard tended to, playing with the kids, providing care packages, gift cards, get well cards and notes, board games, clothes and much much more. We can not start naming you all specifically because we don't want to overlook anyone but please know that we are so thankful for you all. All that you do to support us has helped to insure that AJ lives every day as happily and healthily as possible surrounded by infinite amounts of possibilities, love and support. He has truly enjoyed all of the packages and well wishes from friends near and far.
Quick snips from the week:
Monday- is he walking faster than usual? uh…and he's JUMPING! He even cried at the end of The Little Mermaid because he said that the bad guy died. :-( Then, he told me that he would sleep with me that night to make sure that IIIiiii was okay (yea right) ha!
Tuesday- he is eating bacon egg and cheese on a biscuit (never have) and yes he's walking really well without holding on to the walls. Grandma Ollie even had a hard time keeping up with him! We spotted a cross and another eagle at radiation. He is eating better than EVER and trying out new things. While out grocery shopping, he searched for things he likes and if they had his favorites labeled organic. He always asks now (before eating) "Is this organic?"
Wednesday- a long day at radiation and the doctor's office. He sat all by himself, without having to be held down and didn't say a mumbling word when it was time for blood work. His little heart was racing but...No squeal, squirm or scream…he's officially a pro! We shared with the doc today, AJ has lost a few things over the course of all of this, but he has gained soooooooo much. One thing we can say is, he is tough. We can count on one hand how many moments he's cried. Unfortunately, today was one of those moments and he had every right to when he fell in physical therapy. :( He bounced back though! We went to the dollar store to search for some more surprises, came home, played ALL DAY and he cleaned up afterwards!!! (HUGE IMPROVEMENT) #ajsoars
Thank you everyone for your thoughts, generosity, and prayers for our son Adrian "AJ". #ajsoars#prayperformpersist
-filled with faith, hope and optimism.
Adrian and Angela Peterson
No comments:
Post a Comment