131 days. That's how long we had with Aaron from his cancer diagnosis to his leaving this world. 131 days of courageous, stoic, determination to fight, while remaining kind and uncomplaining. Those 131 days are what inspired The Aaron Opon Memorial Fund and what now have prompted us to organize a fundraiser specifically to raise money for cancer research.

Cholangiocarcinoma is rare, so there hasn't been a research focus on developing a targeted treatment. Had research into Cholangiocarcinoma been better funded, perhaps Aaron would have had more time. The hope was always that if he could just hang on long enough, maybe there would be a breakthrough. The Aaron Opon Memorial Cancer Research Fund has a goal of providing funding for research into rarer forms of cancer, particularly Cholangiocarcinoma.

This year we are starting an annual "131 Days" Fundraiser. From July 11 through November 20 we will be offering several fun (and meaningful) ways to support the Cancer Research Fund, starting with two Ice Cream Benefits in July.

We are hoping to have an event later in the summer or early fall to dedicate Aaron's memorial bench here in Homer Glen, as well as a T-shirt design contest and an online Coffee For a Cause fundraiser during the month of October.

Watch for announcements as each event approaches and help us support research into rare forms of cancer. You can also donate to the Cancer Research Fund any time by clicking the button below.