AJ Soars

Living in Lake County- A Parent’s Pain

Odie Pahl

Are you a parent? There isn’t a day that I’m not grateful for two healthy adult daughters or two precious granddaughters in my world. When my kids were little I was anxious about all the worries that parents are typically concerned about. How am I going to fund their education, will they do well in school, will they have friends, and will they grow up to be happy and responsible adults? Those fears never go away.

The one issue I failed to mention is probably the most worrisome, will they be healthy? You try not to borrow trouble and believe all will be fine, but the truth is you never stop praying for guidance and protection for your children’s well-being.  You, also never and I mean never become complacent for their glowing health.

Angela and Adrian Peterson know about this, all too well. Their son, AJ, is fighting the fight of his life and they are praying for a miracle. The oldest of four children, AJ was diagnosed with brain cancer last June. Shortly after school was out, the family headed for Florida.  He had some troubling symptoms that raised a red flag almost immediately. Visiting numerous specialists, it was determined to be life-changing.

Only six years old, this current first grader was given a prognosis that no parent wants to hear and no child should suffer through. Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), it was determined to be inoperable.  Alternative treatment was his only hope.

On Facebook at AJ Soars, the Peterson’s document their struggle with the help of new and old friends. In turn, Adrian (a former Chicago Bear running back and motivational speaker), with his wife, Angela (a teacher in Gurnee) shower all the love and support they can on their ailing son. AJ maintains his activities in-between hospital stays or ER visits. The Peterson Family perseveres (together) in their new normal; so very different than a short six months ago.

Multiple fundraisers and events were organized for him; always with tremendous moral support. The family receives encouragement from the Bears organization, Angela’s coworkers, AJ’s school, and their faith community. Just recently AJ was granted one of his wishes through the Make a Wish Foundation. He became an honorary policeman. Sworn-in and given a uniform in the presence of family and friends, the Village of Round Lake came out big time. He was thrilled.

The family remains strong, relying on their faith, and taking it one-day-at-a-time. There’s a website for donations with updates on his ongoing condition. Through it all, AJ remains courageous and hopeful, regardless of his ups and downs. He flashes that infectious smile guaranteed to melt your heart. AJ’s a wonderful soul that shines a light on everyone he meets.

Angela Peterson commented on the website, http://gofundme.com/aj-soars, “Thank you for your support and prayers. It never goes unrecognized. Your angel work and support means the world to us.”