At just 14 months old, our son AJ was diagnosed at Schneider Children’s Hospital, with an inoperable and chronic brainstem tumor. In an instant, our world changed forever. He underwent a nine-hour, life-saving brain surgery to relieve the pressure in his brain and spent 3 months in hospital, but that was only the beginning.
Whilst the situation seemed hopeless, we as parents have never given up, and have put our lives on hold in order to help AJ fight this terrible diagnosis. Since then, AJ has faced ongoing treatments, multiple ICU stays, and a daily reality filled with machines, medications, and constant uncertainty. Today, at just 3 years old, he continues to fight with a strength that inspires everyone around him.
Over the past 19 months, nearly half of AJ’s life has been spent in hospital. There he has been treated exceptionally well by the incredible staff at Schneider Hospital. He now lives with a permanent brain shunt, a feeding tube, and a port in his chest, requiring round-the-clock care. Every night he sleeps connected to oxygen and monitors. As parents, we have done everything we can to hold our family together. I returned to work immediately after the initial 3 month hospital stay and we pushed through every challenge, but the level of care AJ needs has made it impossible to keep up with both.
We are now in a position we never imagined we would be in, asking for help. This is not easy for us, but we want to give AJ the best care, comfort, and support possible for as long as we can. Your support allows us to focus on what matters most: giving AJ the care, comfort, and love he deserves every single day.
Note: The campaign is intended to cover all expenses that are not included in AJ’s medical insurance or in the clinical study he is participating in through Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel.
All funds raised will go toward financial support for AJ’s medical journey and around the life-saving experimental treatment he is undergoing. This includes related expenses, that support his medical care, food, travel, loss of income, and any essential support for AJ and his family, so that they can continue fighting for him.
Please daven for אברהם יעקב בן שטערנה שרה
https://www.charidy.com/AJ/elliottsmus
