AJ Squared
Breaking barriers. Building futures beyond illness.
The Ashaun and Aesha Memorial Fund- Our mission is to empower young adults living with a life altering condition 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 AJ Squared? Why do We Exist?
This memorial fund is inspired by our loved ones, Aesha and Ashaun Jackson. In their late 20s, Ashaun and Aesha were diagnosed with chronic, life-altering medical conditions.
​
Our loved ones passed away in 2024. Since then, we’ve been reflecting on how to build a future where chronic illness is not a barrier to ambition, activity, or belonging. We - a community of people who loved Aesha and Ashaun - began organizing this fund in 2025. The AJ2 Memorial Fund supports the mission of the CFFEIM through scholarships, resources and events targeted to support people ages 18-40 whose lives have been affected by a chronic illness.
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 intensive chemotherapy, Aesha led a CFFEIM initiative, Cards for Caregivers, and wrangled her friends into adopting families’ Christmas lists. Ashaun 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.
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 chronic illnesses as whole persons - including, but not overshadowed by, the healthcare needs of themselves or a loved one
