Kristy Costanza
Sponsor: Accutite

Indiana
A.J. (Age 9)
Leukemia

In 2007 A.J. of Marion, Ind., almost had to spend Christmas at Riley Hospital for Children. The following year he decided to raise money to buy gifts for every child in the cancer unit.

“I want to buy fun things for Christmas for the patients at Riley,” A.J. said. “I got out right before Christmas, but some of the kids had to be at Riley. When you’re sick presents make you feel better.”

Unfortunately, A.J. knows what it’s like to be sick. In Oct. 2007 he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and was immediately admitted to Riley hospital. A.J. began chemotherapy and had to be in the hospital for 65 days because of the negative side effects.

With his improved health, 9-year-old A.J. displays a determined attitude and demonstrated commitment to help owther Riley children and families. Knowing what his own parents went through during his hospital stay, A.J. also plans to arrange a “parents’ night out” by bringing them dinner in the family waiting room.

“When he makes up his mind to do something he sees it through, and he can motivate other people,” said his dad, Tom. “Who in the world would tell him he can’t do that?”