SydStrong is blessed to bring smiles to young adults with leukemia. Here are some that have shining SydSmiles thanks to our donors and partners.
ANGELO (AJ)
Our 4th young adult grantee is AJ from Durango, CO. AJ was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at age 18 in 2025.
AJ’s Story:
Aj was diagnosed in February of 2025 with AML Leukemia. AJ is a rock climber and was attending college and working a part time job. AJ was flourishing. In January 2025 he noticed that he was getting headaches and tired very easily in daily activities. During an eye exam, his eye doctor saw the classic signs of Leukemia in his eyes. AJ and his father were flown from Durango, CO to Denver to Children’s Hospital in February. Chemotherapy started and he was hospitalized for each round of treatment, looking at a total of 5 rounds. Each round was 4 to 6 weeks long that he spent in the hospital.
AJ was asked what would bring a smile to his face.
AJ turned 19 while in a hospital bed. And because of his age, he is not eligible for Make a Wish. He has been a lifelong Detroit sports fan, especially a Lions and Tigers fan. His growing up loving sports, football and baseball, has motivated him to aspire to work professionally in the front office of a professional sports team. He was majoring in sports administration prior to his diagnosis and plans to resume this degree once he’s able. Connecting with a sports team has the potential to open doors for career opportunities in the future, as well as fulfill a childhood dream.
AJ would love to be connected with the Detroit Lions. Ideally it would be to attend the 2026 NFL draft or be on the sidelines for a Detroit Lions football game.
With the help of former Arkansas Razorback and current Detroit Lion offensive lineman, Dan Skipper, and his family, AJ attended the Detroit Lions game on December 21st. We are so thankful for the Skippers and the Detroit Lions for welcoming AJ and helping his wish come true!
AJ and his family loved meeting the players on the field and also attended a Pistons game. AJ commented “being a lifelong Lions fan, I’ve always wanted to go to a home game. This experience made this dream come true and so much more.”