Despite being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at a young age and being told he had a life expectancy of 16 years, Aaron Aby’s parents refused to accept this prognosis and treated him like any other child, allowing him to participate in sports and activities, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in MMA.
Aaron Aby can vividly recall the moment he was told he had cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that severely damages the lungs and other organs. It was during a biology class in seventh grade when his teacher read aloud from a textbook about the disease and its life expectancy of 16 years. Aby was shocked by the news, as he had never been told about his limited time to live. However, his parents, who had learned about his diagnosis earlier, refused to accept this fate for their son. They tore up the booklet with the negative outlook and vowed to treat Aby like any other child.
Growing up, Aby underwent special treatment for cystic fibrosis, but he never felt different from his peers. Taking medication and using nebulizers became a normal part of his everyday routine. Despite the challenges of living with the disease, Aby participated in sports and other activities, defying the expectations typically associated with cystic fibrosis. His parents encouraged him to lead a full life and offered him ample support.
Advancements in medicine and a better understanding of cystic fibrosis have dramatically changed life expectancy for those with the disease. Aby’s parents, though not doctors or scientists, were ahead of their time in treating his condition. They encouraged him to exercise, despite the prevailing belief that it would harm his lungs. Aby’s participation in sports became a way for him to feel normal and to combat the limitations imposed by his diagnosis.
As Aby excelled in sports, particularly football (soccer), he received a contract from Wrexham AFC, a team in Wales. However, his uncle’s passion for MMA (mixed martial arts) and his commitment to raising money for cystic fibrosis research led Aby to explore martial arts as well. He began training with his uncle, initially attending classes once a week. However, his interest and dedication grew, and he started training more frequently. Soon, he wanted to compete in amateur fights, and his journey in MMA began.
Despite his commitment to football and dreams of a professional career, Aby found himself drawn to MMA on a deeper level. He started to prioritize it over football, even during games when his mind would wander to MMA. The discipline and focus he gained from martial arts captivated him and convinced him to pursue a career in the sport.
Aby’s story is one of resilience, determination, and defying expectations. Despite the initial bleak prognosis, Aby’s parents instilled in him the belief that he could live a full and fulfilling life. Their unwavering support, along with his own pursuits in sports and MMA, allowed him to overcome the limitations of cystic fibrosis and carve out a successful and fulfilling path for himself.