PLAYING FOR AJ
Rusty Blades set to host benefit game for 8-year-old with brain tumor
WORCESTER — The Rusty Blades are playing for a little more than bragging rights this holiday season.
On Dec. 30, the senior hockey organization based in Central Mass. is hosting a benefit game for AJ Congdon, an 8-yearold from Oxford who recently was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.
The game — featuring players 60 years and older — will take place at Buffone Arena at 6:40 p.m., with all proceeds from $10 ticket sales going to the Congdon family.
“The Rusty Blades wanted to do this, and we are so appreciative and overwhelmed by not just their generosity but so many other people reaching out,” said Jamie Congdon, AJ’s mom. “AJ’s very excited for them to play this game in his honor, and he’s so excited to be there to watch it.
“Seeing everyone there supporting him, he’ll be so happy.”
A shocking diagnosis
AJ Congdon was at his youth football practice on Sept. 28 when he started to become disoriented.
After being pulled from the field, AJ was taken to UMass Medical Center and a day later an MRI revealed a tumor on his brain stem.
AJ was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma — an aggressive form of childhood cancer.
“It was very shocking,” his mother said.
The energetic and fun-loving kid proceeded to undergo six weeks of radiation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Now, AJ is back in school as a second grader at Dudley Elementary with some potential clinic trials in his future.
“He loves going to school, seeing his friends and teachers,” Jamie Congdon said. “His school has been an amazing support system for him. His teachers and classmates have been there for him and supporting him and cheering him on through everything.
“Their positive presence has really kind of helped AJ through the last few