- April 24, 2024
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Thomas Haire goes airborne at the Remembering AJ Fernandez Skateboard Competition. Photos by Anastasia Pagello
AJ Fernandez's family joined the competitors on top of a skate board ramp.
Skye Blumenfeld was the first to go in the twelve in under competition.
Dylan Germano "shred some gnar" at Wadsworth Skate Park.
James Mckee jumped a ramp with ease.
The competitors lined up in anticipation to show the judges their skills.
Sam Bucca competed in the 18 year and up age range.
Skaters cheered each other one during the competition.
Michael Martin shows off a rail grind.
Friends, family and supporting community members gathered at the Wadsworth Skate Park, Sunday, Nov. 8, to shed light on the illness that led to AJ Fernandez’s death. AJ suffered from Paranoid Schizophrenia. He was constantly battling fear, paranoia and anxiety which led him to take his own life at the young age of 24. Yvette Ruiz’Raszl, AJ’s mother, was awed by all the support received from the community to commemorate her son.
“Everything is a little surreal and emotions are bittersweet,” Yvette said. “I am so proud to see all of these faces; so many of his friends are here today. I know he is looking down at us and he is proud of all we have accomplished. Through this event we can spread awareness on the illness that AJ succumbed to, and hopefully prevent another family from going through the same experiences.”
Yvette foresees having the skate competition every year to raise awareness and funds towards research on Paranoid Schizophrenia. Proceeds of the event went to the John Hopkins University Schizophrenia Center, which is dedicated to understanding the source of the illness and developing treatment plans.
Event coordinator Carli Cipolla and her fiancé Adison Wida were best friends with AJ. The inspiration to have the skateboard competition came to Carli when she saw an old picture of AJ with his friends at the skate park. “This was his favorite place to be,” Carli said beckoning to the halfpipes and skate rails. “We originally planned to have a cookout commemorating AJ, but it got rained out. After seeing the picture of AJ skating with his friends I knew this would be the best way to remember him. With about 50 competitors, the turnout for the skate competition is better than I had anticipated.”
