Meet AJ - Our May Pawsitive Warrior Spotlight!

Welcome to Shane + Pepper Pawsitive Warrior Spotlight!

💚We  recognize warriors who are fighting their own battle with positivity! We are honored to shine the light on their amazing strength !💪🏻

  Shane and Pepper would like to introduce our Pawsitive Warrior, AJ!

 

AJ is a kind and loving 10-year-old boy who has such a kind soul and a warrior's heart. His story will genuinely make your heart smile as it is truly inspiring. 

Here is his story. 

AJ has a rare disorder called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva ( FOP). FOP is a disorder in which skeletal muscle and connective tissue, such as tendons and ligaments, are gradually replaced by bone (ossified). This condition leads to bone formation outside the skeleton (extra-skeletal or heterotopic bone) that restricts movement. AJ is 1 in 2,000,000 who has this disorder. FOP Awareness Day is April 23. 

  While AJ is a part of the Miracle League Baseball team and Sled Ice Hockey League, he is spreading kindness to the community by giving back and dropping off donuts to their local police department along with other random acts of kindness. Nothing stops this young man from living his life the way everyone should. Kindness and love are everything, and AJ is the full speed with that mission. While he is a busy young man spreading love to his community, AJ builds legos and loves his garden. He also enjoys camping and video games. Aj builds up an appetite for being a warrior, so he loves his steak and mac 'n Cheese for dinner. I mean, who wouldn't love that dinner? Good choice, AJ!

  AJ has such love and kindness all around him. His family is strong and are advocates for FOP. Their mission is to fund a cure, and they will not stop until that is happening. Aj has two older sisters who are his best friends, and both parents are his voice to the world about FOP Awareness. Their bond is beautiful. We asked AJ's mother, Kristi, "What do you want the world to know about AJ's FOP diagnosis?" Kristi stated, " FOP does not define AJ, it's a part of him, but he is so much more. To learn more about FOP, please visit www.IFOPA.org".  

 AJ, you are not alone, and we stand with you to fight FOP. You are the epitome of a Warrior! Thank you for showing the world your love and kindness. We are honored to call you our Pawsitive Warrior, and Thank you for letting Shane & Pepper share your story. 

 Remember to be the Light. be the Change 

Love & Light

Shane & Pepper