Suited up, AJ in 8-year battle with brain tumor
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AJ and Haley lead the Junior Varsity team out on the field as members of FYF’s MAC sixth-grade team lined up to greet AJ and the other players. - Photos by Alan Sloan
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AJ Cucksey stands alongside his head coach, Ty Haley (white shirt), who leads the Farragut Youth Football MAC’s Junior Varsity team. Also joined by the team’s assistant coaches, AJ was honored for his courage and optimistic outlook on life prior to a game at FHS Saturday evening, Aug. 27; he’s battled a brain tumor for eight years that has blinded one of his eyes and impaired vision in the other. - Photos by Alan Sloan
A Farragut Middle School football player, AJ Cucksey has been waging a serious health battle most of his life that already has proven costly.
Yet this young athlete, known for his positive attitude, is part of head coach Ty Haley’s Farragut Youth Football MAC Junior Varsity team.
Just before its game versus Gibbs kicked off in Farragut High School’s Bill Courtney Stadium/Bill Clabo Field Saturday evening, Aug. 27, a brief ceremony was held on the field, with help from the stadium’s public address announcer, honoring AJ’s courageous battle with multiple brain tumors.
With AJ alongside Haley, other team coaches and his teammates at midfield, the following was announced:
“AJ Cucksey is a 6th-grader at Farragut Middle School. AJ has been battling multiple brain tumors for the last eight years. He is completely blind in one eye and partially blind in the other.
“AJ’s recent scan showed two of the tumors have grown significantly — one blocking the flow of cerebral spinal fluid.
“AJ has always wanted to play football, and had to overcome multiple obstacles last season to get the thumbs-up to play.
“AJ only knows how to be positive and encourage others. He is a true inspiration to his team and anyone who gets the opportunity to meet him.
“With his recent news, we are not sure how many games AJ will have before his treatment begins.
“Our thoughts and prayers will be with AJ and his family during this difficult time.”
AJ then received a standing ovation from the fans.
Meanwhile, AJ’s Admirals improved their record to 2-0 with a 34-6 victory.
