Aiden was a beautiful, smart, funny, and sweet kid who made an impression on everyone he met. A proud big brother to Jake and Devin, he loved sports, playing chess, and was the lead in his school play, “Seussical”. A Bon Jovi fan, Aiden knew every word to “Living on a Prayer” and wasn’t shy about belting out the tune.
People always commented on how special Aiden was. When he was a toddler, a friend asked his mom, Lisa, how it felt to be the parent of such an exceptional child. She said,” Every mother feels their child is exceptional.” The friend replied, “No. Not like this. He is truly remarkable.”
In July 2008, his world was turned upside down when a grapefruit-sized tumor was discovered in his pelvis. The 8-year-old was diagnosed with stage 4 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma that originated in his pelvis and spread to his lungs. Treatment started right away. He bravely faced 18 rounds of chemotherapy, 28 rounds of radiation to his pelvis, and 10 more to his lungs.
One day while driving to the city for treatment, Aiden said,
“I think I know why I got cancer. I got cancer so I could cure cancer.”
He made his treatment a scientific study. Even at the young age of 9, he asked questions about the cells in his body and the science of the chemotherapy he was receiving. One doctor remarked that after spending five minutes with him, he was convinced he could solve the crisis in the Middle East.
Aiden and his family were invited to attend their first St Baldrick’s event in 2009 at Trinity Bar and Restaurant in Floral Park, New York. Long-time childhood cancer advocate, Bob GaNun, arranged for a fire truck to bring Aiden to the event, where he was met with cheers from five 9-year-old boys, Aiden’s friends and teammates, who were there to shave their heads.

Left: Aiden with the boys pre-shave. Right: Aiden with the boys post-shave.
“We were amazed by the courage of these boys and the love and support Aiden was receiving. Aiden, who always wore a hat to cover his bald head, took off his hat for the first time in public that day. He stood among his newly bald friends and smiled the biggest smile we had seen in a long time. He said, “For the first time I feel normal.” St. Baldrick’s raises money for the most promising treatments and at the same time, sends a powerful message to those fighting that they are not alone.”
-Lisa, Aiden’s mom

Aiden and his family.
Despite everything he was going through, Aiden’s kindness and love for people remained constant. Among the many friends he made was former NY Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, whom Aiden met in his final weeks. A lifelong Jets fan, Aiden lit up when he visited their training facility, where he met Sanchez and his teammates. Sanchez was deeply moved by Aiden’s spirit and remained in touch, sending game balls, exchanging texts, and visiting Aiden at home. Their bond gave Aiden moments of joy and inspiration when he needed it most.

Aiden with New York Jets quarterback, Mark Sanchez.
Aiden relapsed in February 2010 and passed away the following December. He suffered and fought like a lion. Aiden died knowing how his story helped others and how his life brought out the best in everyone he met.
Aiden’s family has continued the fight in his memory. In 2019, they started the Aiden’s Army Fund, a St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund, which has raised nearly $1.6 million for childhood cancer research. In addition to leading a team at the Trinity Bar and Restaurant head-shaving event, Terry, Aiden’s aunt, has raised almost $600,000 through her Ladies Night Out fundraiser.
Aiden was right all along. He got cancer to cure cancer. Just not the way his family thought and hoped he would. Aiden’s Army will continue marching toward a cure for all kids.
Honor Aiden’s memory with a donation supporting research into better treatments for kids with cancer.