HT SALON SUPPORTS AJ'S ARMY
JOIN HT SALON IN SUPPORTING AJ
AJ and her mom Megan are a big part of the HT Salon family. Megan works here as a hairstylist, and today we’re asking for your help in supporting her daughter, AJ.
AJ is fighting SURF1-related Leigh syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease. Researchers are working to advance a potential gene therapy, and funding is needed for the next critical stages of research, testing, and development.
EVERY CHILD DESERVES THE CHANCE TO GROW UP.
Meaningful progress has already been made, but there is still important work ahead.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
EVERY ACTION MATTERS
SHARE
Put AJ's story in front of one more person.
THE WILSON FAMILY
A FAMILY FIGHTING FOR AJ'S FUTURE
Megan, her husband Austin, and AJ—the Wilson family—are part of the HT Salon family. They are sharing AJ’s story to build awareness, raise support, and help advance a potential treatment for children facing this devastating disease.
Every donation helps. Every share matters. Big or small, each act of support moves the mission one step closer to a cure.
AJ'S STORY
MORE THAN A DIAGNOSIS
UNDERSTANDING THE DISEASE
WHAT IS SURF1-RELATED LEIGH SYNDROME?
It is a rare, progressive mitochondrial disease. Mitochondria help create the energy the body's cells need. The condition can gradually affect movement, swallowing, breathing, communication, and other essential abilities.
Rare genetic disease
AJ's diagnosis is linked to the SURF1 gene and affects how her cells produce energy.
Progressive effects
Children may lose abilities they have worked hard to gain as the disease advances.
Real hope
A potential gene therapy is being advanced, but the next critical phases require funding.
WHY THE FUNDING MATTERS
MOVING A POTENTIAL THERAPY CLOSER TO CHILDREN LIKE AJ
The campaign is helping support the formal safety work, toxicology studies, and manufacturing needed to move the potential therapy toward clinical trials.
BUSINESSES AND STYLISTS CAN HELP
JOIN US IN SHARING AJ'S STORY
We are inviting businesses everywhere—and especially fellow hairstylists and beauty professionals—to help spread AJ's story. Share this page, post it on social media, display a flyer, or simply tell someone why this research matters.