My name is Kathleen Opon. On Sunday, July 7, my 31-year-old son Aaron Opon went from being a healthy, active young man to being diagnosed with a rare bile duct cancer in the blink of an eye. On November 20, 2024 he passed from this world. Here is Aaron's story.

Shortly after returning from a solo trip to New York City in June, Aaron began experiencing back pain that got worse and worse, finally resulting in a trip to the ER on July 7. CT Scans came back with indications of cancer so Aaron was admitted to the hospital, where they did more tests.

By the time he was discharged the tentative diagnosis was Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer apparently unusual in younger people. Our whole family (Aaron, me, my husband David and Aaron's brother Chris) felt like we had entered a living nightmare from which we were unable to wake up, overwhelmed not only by the diagnosis, but by the financial implications.

After a couple months of despair created by the cold way this diagnosis was presented to us by the doctor at Silver Cross, Aaron seemed to be on a true path of healing. His oncologists at MDAnderson in Houston, Texas and here in Chicago, were extremely positive about his progress in Chemo and Immunotherapy. If you look up the type of cancer Aaron had, keep in mind that most research has been done on the usual patients, who are in their 70's, not on a healthy 31 year old.

Before his diagnosis, Aaron and his brother were independent, living in an apartment in Chicago. Aaron had been living with us (his parents) since then so we could better support him and get him to treatment appointments.

At the time of his death Aaron was working at Roosevelt University as a Graduate Admission Counselor. After having to take a medical leave for several months, in September of 2024 he returned to work (remotely) and had hoped to move back to his apartment in early November.

During Aaron's experience, GoFundMe has been vital in helping Aaron pay for tests and treatments that his insurance didn't cover, and to travel to Houston, Texas (airfare, hotel, etc.) for meetings with a specialist in his particular cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Since Aaron's passing we have created The Aaron Opon Memorial Fund, a 501 (c)(3) dedicated to supporting Music Education and Animal Welfare through Charitable Giving. We also donate to Cancer Research. If you would like more information about the Fund, please visit The Aaron Opon Memorial Fund

Donations made through the Fund webpage go 100% to the Fund, with no fees taken out. Any amount given is greatly appreciated. All funds go directly into the charity fund you designate.

If you would prefer to send a check, please make it out to The Aaron Opon Memorial Fund and mail it to this address:

The Aaron Opon Memorial Fund

14613 S. Arboretum Dr.

Homer Glen, IL 60491

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Kathleen