Aj2
Breaking barriers. Building futures beyond illness.
The Ashaun and Aesha Memorial Fund, also known as the Aj2 memorial fund is ready to serve its community.
Our mission is to empower young adults between 18 to 40, living with a cancer diagnoses in the Chicagoland area and surrounding counties (Will, DeKalb, McHenry, and Cook) by providing meaningful financial support, compassionate guidance, and transformative opportunities. We believe that every individual deserves access to education, enrichment, and community, regardless of health challenges. Through scholarships, tailored resources and bespoke events we are committed to building a future where chronic illness is not a barrier to ambition, activity, or belonging.
What is Aj2? Why do We Exist?
This memorial fund is inspired by our loved ones, Ashaun and Aesha Jackson while in their mid 20s, Ashaun and Aesha both were diagnosed with rare cancer types that impacted every aspect of their lives.
Both of these beloved Do-Gooders passed away in 2024. Since then, their family and a collection of their closest friends have been reflecting on how to build a future where chronic illness is not a barrier to ambition, activity, or belonging. We, began organizing this fund in 2025. The Aj2 Memorial Fund supports the mission of the Center for Food Equity In Medicine (CFFEIM) with a specific lens through scholarships, resources and events targeted to support people 18-40 whose lives have been affected by cancer in the Chicagoland area.
As children of CFFEIM’s founder, Dr. Ann Jackson, Ashaun and Aesha were integral in its development and operations. They demonstrated, often and persistently, love for their community.
While undergoing his care regime, Ashaun remained very committed to volunteering with CFFEIM. He was CFFEIMs first live auctioneer and led the charge in managing supply deliveries, sorting and shelving grocery items for CFFEIM.
Ashaun also worked at the Homewood Science Center to introduce neurodiverse children to Dungeons and Dragons, going above and beyond to give them a wonderful experience every week.
Not to be outdone, while Aesha was undergoing intensive care therapy she led a CFFEIM initiative, Cards for Caregivers, and wrangled her friends into adopting families’ Christmas lists. Aesha was also an essential member of the CFFEIM leadership team often thinking about how events should be created and usually on site as the project manager to make sure her vision came to life.
The efforts of this memorial fund are community-centric to honor these legacies. We are passionate about individuals’ agency in large and small healthcare choices. We prioritize the joy of LGBTQ+, indigenous, black and brown youth. Principally, we see those affected by cancer as whole persons - including, but not overshadowed by, the healthcare needs of themselves or a loved one.