Kenton & Preston's Cider Stand to Cure Bile Duct Cancer

In 2022 our grandpa, Dr. James K. Welling, was diagnosed with inoperable bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma. It is a rare, aggressive, incurable cancer in the slender tubes that carry the digestive fluid (bile) through the liver. The news was surprising, confusing, and heart wrenching, as our "walking medical wonder" grandpa had survived many trials with his health over the years, yet was always able to overcome them with his tenacious spirit and grateful heart. But we were told this trial would be different, and he was given only months to live.

Our grandpa was so strong and fought as hard as he could for ten months, undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments with his stellar Northwestern team. We clung to hope in our hearts, but sadly, Grandpa had to say goodbye on June 3, 2023. Now that he is in heaven, we pledge to continue fundraising in his honor and to keep hope alive for current and future patients and families affected by this devastating disease.

So in recognition of Grandpa's hard-fought battle and hope for a much-needed cure, please join us by raising a cup of apple cider on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

You're invited to:

KENTON & PRESTON'S CIDER STAND TO CURE BILE DUCT CANCER

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024

Proceeds go directly to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF), whose mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). CCF has grown to become the leading global resource in research, education, and public awareness. This is the fourth fundraising year for the cider stand, with $161 raised in 2021 for the BeTheMatch organization (in honor of our grandma's cancer and resulting stem cell transplant), $419 raised for cancer research at Northwestern in 2022, and $3,135 for CCF in 2023. *UPDATE FOR 2024* This year's goal is to raise $1,000, and if we do, a generous CCF donor will MATCH that amount! Funds raised over $1,000 and up to $1,500 will be DOUBLED!!

For those who cannot attend the cider stand on Saturday, October 5 or prefer to give online, we hope you'll consider supporting the fundraiser at this site. (Also of consideration, an online donation provides record of your charity donation for tax purposes.)

Thank you for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us and our family. "An apple today keeps bile duct cancer at bay!"

Cheers to a cure,

Kenton & Preston

Cider stand fundraising last year, 2023:

Grandpa with a cup of cider on October 4, 2021:

Grandpa receiving treatment at Northwestern:

In loving memory of our grandpa

Link:

Video of Grandpa