Vancouver Whitecaps FC are honoured to have Aaron as Kid Captain of the club's home match against LA Galaxy on Sunday.
Shortly after Aaron was born in September 2013, his parents Jerry and Rachel noticed that he was missing infant milestones and had abnormalities in his strength and motor skills. They took Aaron to a pediatrician who, after suspecting a genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), referred him to BC Children's Hospital (BCCH). After several tests, Aaron's diagnosis was confirmed.
SMA is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and muscles causing severe weakness and often taking away a child's ability to walk, swallow and ultimately, breathe.