May 15, 2015
Fred Troilo/for PhillyVoice
South Jersey ‘Superheroes’ raise funds for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a genetic bone condition , in honor of Bellmawr 4-year-old with
A squad of superheroes joined forces at Friendly’s restaurant in Deptford Wednesday to fight back against fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive, a genetic bone disorder that’s inflicting a local little boy.
The child, 4-year-old A.J. Gonzalez of Bellmawr in Camden County, is one of just 285 individuals in the U.S. that suffers from the disorder, according to the International FOP Association.
Gonzales family and friends, who call themselves AJ’s Avengers, gathered at the restaurant to raise funding for and awareness of the disorder.
Friendly’s wait staff also joined in on the charity event, doning cape and using their super powers to put a smile on patrons’ faces.
AJ’s mom, Kristi, posted a thank you note to her son’s super supporters on the Facebook page.
We always say our HOPE is we find a cure! Our HOPE is we find a medicine to slow this disease down so AJ and our other FOP families can live their lives! So for now we have HOPE and thank you all for being a part of this event, past event and future ones xoxoxox !
