STROBEL: A.J. steps out! Variety teen walks for first time

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A teen’s dreams are often fuzzy. Think back to your own. Or ask any parent.

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Not so for Alexander James “A.J.” Morrison, 17. His dream is clear as a bell.

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A.J. is a groomsman in his cousin’s wedding in Kleinburg next year – and he intends to walk down the aisle unaided. No canes, no walker, no wheelchair. Just his tuxedo and that famous big smile.

Until a month ago, this seemed like a pipe dream. A.J. has cerebral palsy. As long as I’ve known him, he has never walked without help.

Then, one momentous day at physio a few weeks back, he took two steps, then four, then six.

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A.J.’s face lit up in triumph. Trainer Jahiel Spence beamed. A.J.’s mom, Mary Jo Vradis, burst into tears.

“Three months shy of his 18th birthday … and your son walks,” she says, the wonder still in her voice. “We’ve waited so long for this.”

Says A.J.: “This has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.”

Ever think the day would come, kid?

“Honestly … no,” he says. “But I worked hard and that’s what counts, right?”

Absolutely. Now, A.J. is up to 20 steps at a time. I do not know how long that wedding hall aisle is – but I’ll not be surprised if Alexander Morrison bounds down its entire length like a rabbit.

Credit goes to stem cell therapy – A.J. is part of a study at U of T – and to myriad surgeries, procedures and meds. Mostly, credit hard work by A.J., by his mom and dad, Jim, by the therapists and trainers who’ve given him a ripped physique to meet the physical stresses of CP.

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And through it all, Variety Village.

As this edition of the Sun Christmas Fund for Variety Village winds down, think of how the Village steps up for the kids with disabilities it serves.

On Wednesday, I updated you on Zach Rayment, who first walked independently in 2021, age 12, and told me, “Imagine if you woke up one morning and discovered you could fly. That’s what it’s like.”

Then there’s Madison “Madi” Ambos, my current Sun Fund “chairkid.” When I met her, she was three and could scarcely stand. A year later, she took her first unaided steps in physio at Variety Village.

Well, she turned 10 this fall and spent the day dashing around Canada’s Wonderland with a band of her BFFs.

Of course, not every kid on canes or in a wheelchair will one day climb Mount Everest … or walk to the corner store. Miracles remain rare, even in this age of medical advances.

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But, with Variety’s help, every kid can dream of something.

A.J. wants to drive. A Ferrari, preferably. He wants “to take care of myself,” and he’s well on his way. Through a Holland Bloorview hospital program, he’ll get his first paying summer job this year. Wherever that is, he’ll be the best dressed. A.J. has grown into quite a fashion plate.

Last summer, he volunteered at Variety Village’s legendary camps. The Village plans to recruit him as an event speaker. He’s been my on-stage sidekick a couple of times. A.J. has the gift of gab – witty and insightful. This is surprising, given that he was born without much of a cerebellum.

But, then, Alexander James Morrison is a surprising guy. That first step surprised even himself.

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One small step. One giant leap.

northchannelmike@gmail.com

HOW TO HELP

Variety Village has been a launching pad for A.J. and Zach and Madi and thousands of other kids with disabilities – and Sun readers have done their part for years.

The 2023 Christmas Fund is closing in on a record – last year’s tally of $139, 070 – and on $2 million all-time, with a few days to go. You can boost the effort by donating directly at sunchristmasfund.ca and joining these other recent donors:

Bernice Leone, Scarborough, $25

Frances and Donald Lawrie, Alliston, $500

Jean Whynot, Scarborough, $250A

Florence Neville, Thornhill, $25

Ed Pirocchi, Toronto, $100

Anne Wilson, Mono, $100

Donna Firman, Toronto, $50

Betty Alcock, West Hill, $25

Garnet Webster, Ancaster, $100

Robert Shatford, Oakville, $50

Karen Foley, Toronto, $250

Kevin Lafferty, Toronto, $1,500

Anonymous, $100

Jen Parker, Hamilton, $25A

Anonymous, $200

Dan Wilson, Tiverton, $750

William Blake Jacobs, Willowdale, $100A

Total: $4,150

TOTAL TO DATE: $128,140

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