AJ Salisbury's life was filled with music. He mastered nearly every instrument, often teaching himself how to play. Throughout his high school years, AJ played in every musical event he could, ranging from the orchestra, to jazz band, to winter drum line. In his last years of college, his musical interests focused on his rock star status. On January 26, 2009, at age 24, AJ died from a rare cancer on 11 months after first being diagnosed. Because his father was a cornea recipient, AJ was quite familiar with donation and transplantation. His cancer prevented all but eye donation, but AJ knew abut the precious gift of sight which he gave.

AJ's Story

Anthony "AJ" Salisbury was known by many names. AJ was an active kid who grew up playing baseball and basketball. He was a devoted Boy Scout who loved riding his bike and being outdoors.

In fifth grade, AJ discovered music, first taking lessons on the upright string bass, and then went on to learn many other instruments, mostly teaching himself. AJ played in every musical event he could and performed with his high school orchestra, jazz band, marching band, pep band and winter drum line. He played in the pit orchestra for a community theatre group and also belonged to a rock band.

"AJ's love of music continued throughout college," said his parents, Brian and Marcy Salisbury. "During his first few years, he played in the orchestra. Later, his musical interests shifted to focus on his rock star status. Music brought beauty to AJ's world, and luckily he was willing to share that with us."

Growing up, AJ was familiar with donation and transplantation. His father, Brian, is a Lions Club member and a cornea recipient. Because corneas donated by others restored his father's vision, AJ made sure "donor" was on his driver's license. If he could help another person in any way through donation, he wanted to do it.

In February 2008, AJ was diagnosed with alvealor soft part sarcoma, a rare cancer that originated in the soft tissues of his right calf. "AJ's journey with cancer was short and difficult, but he faced it with incredible courage," his parents said. "He never complained about having cancer. Not once. He remained positive, vowed to fight, and embraced the philosophy of survivorship."

AJ kept a journal about his cancer journey. When his doctor told him he had cancer. AJ wrote, "He admitted to never having to tell someone as young as me before, and I genuinely kinda felt bad for him. I don't know why. I just did." To his family, that said a lot about AJ: he was always thinking about others first.

On January 26, 2009, AJ passed away 11 months after his diagnosis. He was only 24 years old. His cancer prevented all but eye donation, but AJ knew the value of the precious gift of sight. One of AJ's corneas gave a man new vision, and his other cornea helped to further research for treatments and cures of eye conditions.

Brian and Marcy said: "The cancer took his body away from us, but cancer can't take away his loving and twinkling spirit."