Meet Peej (PJ)

PJ was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome which causes underdeveloped facial features which can range from moderate to severe and can affect breathing, eating, hearing and sight - to state it in a politically incorrect way, it causes deformities of the face. PJ spent the first 65 days in the hospital... The family celebrated Christmas, New Years Eve, mom's birthday, and Valentines Day while living in the NICU. PJ also had two surgeries while in the NICU before the family were allowed to bring him home. PJ's parents soon realized that they had an incredible opportunity to spread kindness by having PJ visit schools that have read the book Wonder. Meeting a real-life Auggie Pullman helps bring the book to life and expose the children to differences. With the hope of influencing future generations to be kinder and more tolerant of differences, PJ's parents have become certified motivational speakers with the Children’s Craniofacial Association and volunteer to speak in schools that have read Wonder. While speaking in schools they also incorporate fundraisers to raise money for various non-profit organizations that help children, like PJ, who have excessive medical expenses. PJ's parents call these fundraisers “PJs for PJ”. For a small donation from each student, the kids are allowed to have a pajama day while they discuss kindness, inclusion and acceptance. So far, “PJs for PJ” fundraisers have raised and donated over $65,000! The hope for PJs future is that the world will be a kinder and more accepting place where people can learn to look past his differences and see him the way that I see him. PJ's family also has high hope that PJ learns to advocate for himself in such a positive way that people will not see him as “the boy with Treacher Collins”, but rather, “the boy who speaks in schools, encourages kindness and raises money for other kids”.