10,000 Steps of Hope
Every once in a while, we encounter a story that reminds us why we do what we do and not just as professionals, but as parents, friends, and neighbors. Today, we want to share a very special journey being taken by one of our own Aspire Ambassadors and long-time clients, Tim Johnson.
If you know Tim, you know his passion for the landscaping industry. But if you know his son, TJ, you know where that true spark comes from. TJ lives with a rare condition called DEGS1 Leukodystrophy. Despite the challenges, TJ’s "superpower" is his smile- a smile that has the power to change the perspective of anyone he meets.
As Tim approaches his 40th birthday this July, he’s decided that this milestone isn’t about him; it’s about opening doors for kids like TJ. Tim has committed to walking 10,000 steps every single day for six months leading up to his birthday totaling nearly 900 miles. His goal is to raise $40,000 for DEGS1 research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
TJ was a pioneer as the first child in the U.S. to receive a specific trial treatment, and now Tim is walking to ensure that research continues to light the way for other families facing this rare diagnosis.
At Aspire, we are so moved by Tim’s dedication and TJ’s bravery. We are proud to support this story. And TJ, thank you for reminding us all to smile a little brighter today.