Neighbor News
Please join Team AJ to help this Warrior Battle a Rare Cancer
Burien resident battling cancer for the second time launched a GoFund me to combat mounting expenses of the cancer fight
Diagnosed with bladder cancer at just 18 months, AJ has been in and
out of hospitals for most of his 30 years. On the transplant list for
half of that time, he was about to receive a kidney from a cousin when
his oncologist discovered during a routine scan that AJ's cancer had
returned – but this time, in his stomach, intestines and bile duct. With
a kidney transplant off the table for five years, AJ now undergoes
dialysis three days a week for four hours at a time in his hometown of
Burien, WA.
And no longer able to work in order to qualify for
state insurance to offset his mounting medical bills, AJ spends most of
his time at home, doing his best to fight against the debilitating
disease ravaging his body.
"Since I was younger, I've wanted nothing more than to be normal, but this is my normal," said
AJ. "This is the life I've lived for the past 30 years, and I don't want to be seen as the 'sick person" anymore. I just want to be seen as someone trying to get through the obstacles of life just like everyone
else." But hardship isn't confined to AJ. When his mother Jean learned about
the spot on AJ's liver on April 16, she bought a one-way ticket to Seattle.
"He's my only son and I'm going to be by his side throughout this entire ordeal," added Jean. "I'm not going anywhere."
With dwindling savings and an income unable to cover AJ's ongoing care, Jean
faces foreclosure on the home where she raised her family – and where
her pregnant granddaughter lives as she anticipates the arrival of
Jean's great-grandson in October. The GoFundMe campaign is Jean's final
effort to raise much-needed funds both for AJ's medical treatments as
well as gas, food, mortgage and other daily living expenses.
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/ajteam or call/email Jean directly.
Contact:
Jean Prezioso
(443) 490-2087
jprezi65@gmail.com
