www.FredericksburgParent.NET 9
Celebrating
AJ (Arthur James Frederick) Drews is a
fun-loving 2-year-old boy. He was born
with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome-
which means he has no left ventricle in
his heart. AJ has had three (3) heart surgeries, suffered a stroke, and received
nine (9) heart catheterizations' in his short life. He is currently in heart failure and
stage three (3) kidney failure. Sadly, he does not qualify for another heart surgery,
but all hope is not loss as he is waiting for another revaluation.
Through all of his trials and health upsets AJ continues to smile and bring his family
joy while fighting for his life!
To celebrate another year of life for AJ his
parents and the community celebrated AJ
in a big way. This Event hosted by Ellie's
Elves nonprofit organization was a Disney
inspired reverse parade. It was held in AJ's
honor on January 10, 2021, the day before
his 2nd birthday at the Massad Family
YMCA. Many community groups, friends,
families, and people who wanted to cel-
ebrate the life of a brave boy gathered for
a reverse parade. Decorating their cars in
Disney inspired themes, wearing princess costumes, and
even dressing up their pets. Businesses such as Malawi's
Pizza of Fredericksburg were there with their mobile
pizza oven. It was a great way to reinforce that we are
#FXBGSTRONG and to encourage a
local family to enjoy life every day.
We thank the Drews family for allow-
ing us all to celebrate AJ.
AJ!
parent
fredericksburg
& family
Happy
Birthday
AJ!
WRITTEN BY LAUREN MALLOY
