Hello Everyone, 

As most of you know, our Brother AJ is currently still in the ICU at Upstate Medical in Syracuse, NY where he has undergone several major surgeries and has been fighting so many obstacles along the way. Everything about this situation has been so unexpected, it was just 1 month ago that AJ was experiencing some back pain and Michelle made him see a doctor. A mass was found and within that month they made countless trips to Syracuse for CTs, MRIs, consultations, AJ had to stop work and prepare himself for what the Doctor's plan of action would be. Just 2 days before the scheduled surgery, AJ & Michelle sat down with the surgeons to discuss their surgical plan and complete some pre-op testing. There was absolutely nothing that could prepare them as the tests from that day showed that the tumor had grown rapidly and they needed to act quickly. On April 24, AJ went into his first of three surgeries that would follow in the weeks to come. He had an incredible team of Doctors, Surgeons and Nurses and they removed the massive tumor, but this did cause him to loose a kidney, 1/2 of the liver, part of the diaphragm, and the adrenal gland. Due to so many unexpected circumstances, AJ had (3) 1-in-a-million scenarios happened to him during this process. We are just beyond grateful to have our Brother here with us to be able to be working towards recovery and an amazing sister-in-law who hasnt left his side through every bump in this extremely difficult road. At this point we are just trying to do all we can do for AJ so he can just focus on one thing at a time, getting the best treatment possible,  healing his body as well as his mind, and working toward being the same fun, loving, laughing, Husband, Son, Brother, Family Member and Friend that we all know and love so much!  I know it may feel like I am leaving out some of the in-between, gut wrenching moments but just know that his surgeons and all the prayer and support offered up by every single one of you saved his life and AJ fought like hell to be where he is right now and is continuing to fight. Our sister-in-law, Michelle is our hero and has been at his side constantly, and both sets of parents, but no one could imagine the fight she has had to put up along side him too. There is a long road to recovery ahead and they need support in anyway they can get it but, please also be considerate of their privacy and time as they won’t always be able to update and respond. AJ currently needs time to heal physically and mentally before knowing exactly what he has fought through these past few weeks. 

So at this time we are requesting support for our Brother’s fight in anyway possible, there is still so much to over come from a recovery standpoint and figuring out what the new normal will be. They have already faced so much and we do not want them to have to fear the financial burdens of this lifesaving procedure and necessary medical care. We appreciate the out pour of prayers and support, and anything you are able to donate will help AJ & Michelle immensely. Even if you can just leave a comment or any encouragement for both of them, our family will be sure to get every message to them when the time is right and we will work to update you on his progress as often as possible while maintaining their privacy as this has been and will continue to be an up hill battle and they will need each and every one of us to hold them up on the bad days! 

Thank you again to everyone who has followed along with AJ's progress and taken the time to pray, and offer up words of kindness and support. We will forever be grateful for the gift of life, family, and friendship. 

We love you all, and thank you! 
#AJfight #PrayersforAJandMichelle #OneDayAtaTime #PASSfamstrong 

Sincerely,
Meghan & Chad