9/11 - AJ

AJ, 7, is one of those people who looks for the good, the positive, in everything that happens. We have always called him The Mayor because he befriends everyone he meets. And he never stops going; he has always, even in the womb, been incredibly active. Brain tumors didn't change any of this about him.

At 4 years old, AJ was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors, several of which are inoperable. He lost the ability to walk, he was cognitively impaired, and his vision deteriorated. Yet through that, he never lost himself. Holding strong to his faith in God and having the determination of a warrior, AJ now is a "normal" first-grader. When people ask him about his low-vision (an optic nerve tumor has left him considered legally blind), he lets them know there are other kids from the pediatric medical community who have had much bigger obstacles than him. He recalls not being able to walk and so he pushes himself to climb rock walls. And he loves a good victory so he is an avid sports fan, especially when cheering for his beloved Tennessee Vols!

AJ has a VP shunt and received a year of chemotherapy. He is considered stable, but his condition is something we will deal with forever. AJ has fully embraced our philosophy to "just say yes" while we can. This has allowed AJ the opportunity to serve as the Children's Miracle Network Hospital Champion for the state of Tennessee. He proudly talks about living a full life despite his condition and the amazing treatment he received at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.

Before moving to Knoxville, we were already following some of the Knoxville brain tumor warriors on Facebook. AJ was one of the kids we followed closely, especially since he was diagnosed around the same time as Tillery. Before moving to Knoxville, we reached out to his family for advice on schools, doctors, and things to do. AJ’s family has done an awesome job of getting his story on the local news and they have touched hearts of many in this community. They do a lot of raising awareness and fundraising for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the same hospital where Tillery received chemotherapy.

Follow AJ’s story at Prayers for AJ Cucksey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforAJCucksey/

#prayersforaj #goAJgo #tilleryisloved #TILfoundation #alexsmillionmile #GoGold2017

To support childhood cancer research in honor of kids like AJ, make a donation to our team (TIL Foundation) with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1314958