TJ Survived the Impossible. Now He Faces His Hardest Fight Yet.
TJ is a bright, witty 16-year-old living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic disease that steadily weakens the muscles and now affects his heart and lungs. Two years ago, he survived nearly two months intubated while awake — a fight he was not expected to win. Today, he is preparing for a major spinal fusion surgery and critical treatments that could improve his chances for a safer recovery.
Our family cannot shoulder this alone. With your help, TJ can get the care, equipment, and safety he needs for the fight ahead.
Meet TJ – A Quiet Fighter With a Big Heart
TJ is bright, witty, and deeply interested in military history and technology. He loves his little brother Tyler, his cat Tiki, and never complains about the challenges he faces. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy has taken his ability to walk and continues to weaken his muscles, but it has not taken his mind or his determination.
He hasn’t walked since age 9. Today, he relies on a power wheelchair and 24-hour support. Still, he dreams of living as normal a teenage life as possible — gaming with friends, visiting family and being part of the world beyond hospital rooms.
TJ does not take for granted the abilities he still has: to think, to speak, and to use his hands. He is grateful for every day, even the hard ones.
The Night Everything Changed
Two years ago TJ’s lungs and heart could no longer keep up. What began as a respiratory infection turned into a life-threatening crisis. TJ was rushed to the hospital and placed on a ventilator.
Because his heart and lungs could not tolerate full sedation, TJ spent nearly two months intubated while conscious. Every two hours, for weeks, he endured painful respiratory treatments. His parents were told more than once that he might not survive.
With Steven at his bedside, Tammy’s constant care, the dedication of his medical team, and countless prayers, TJ fought his way back. His recovery shocked everyone. He is here today because he refused to give up. Now due to his significant muscle loss, he is finding it more difficult to hold himself up in his wheelchair, and needs his spine supported.
A Dangerous Spinal Surgery – and Treatments That Could Improve the Outcome
TJ is now preparing for a major spinal fusion surgery. For a teenager with Duchenne and very low lung function, this is a dangerous operation. The surgery is important to help support his spine, protect his lungs as much as possible, and keep him as safe and comfortable as he grows.
There is a specialized medical treatment plan before and after surgery that may significantly improve TJ’s safety and recovery — but it is not covered by insurance. Through the new innovation of stem cell treatments, he may boost his chances of recovery. Without it, the procedure becomes even higher risk.
Our family is doing everything we can, but this is beyond what we can carry alone. We are asking for help to give TJ the very best chance in the hardest fight of his life.
How You Can Help Right Now
We are grateful for any way you feel led to support — through giving, sharing TJ’s story, and keeping him in your prayers.
Mailing Address
Send a Card or Check to:
Steven O'Donnell c/o TJ
110 Granville Drive
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
“Teamsters Take Care of Our Own.”
Steven O’Donnell is a UPS Teamster of nine years. He is the kind of person who shows up, works hard, and takes care of everyone around him. Asking for help does not come naturally to him — but right now, his family needs backup.
TJ’s courage has inspired neighbors, first responders, teachers, nurses, and complete strangers. Now we are inviting Steven’s union family, our local community, and anyone moved by TJ’s story to stand with him.
When one of our own is hurting, we don’t look away. We step in. We help carry the load. Thank you for standing with TJ and his family.
Where Your Donation Goes
Every gift goes directly toward keeping TJ safe, cared for, and able to get to the treatments he needs. We want to be completely transparent about how your generosity will be used. The most urgent need is for medical treatments before and after surgery that may improve his outcome.
