Just before River turned one, she fell and bumped her cheek on the coffee table. She developed a goose-egg. As her parents, of course we were concerned when it just wouldn’t go away. We advocated as much as we had to. She ended up with an infection and got sepsis a few weeks later. We landed in the hospital for eight days and seven nights. After a lot of tests and antibiotics, the swelling from the infection went down and we were sent home to finish recovering.
Six weeks went by and we celebrated her birthday as well as beating whatever it was she just went through. Then her bump on her cheek started to get bigger and bigger everyday. Again, advocating for River for weeks and going back and forth between specialists we finally got in touch with a doctor (Oncologist) who wanted to biopsy it. Three days later we were diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. We caught it early and started chemotherapy right away. She responded so well so we thought we had a good hold of the reins. We had a great summer and she never got sick and was able to have so much fun outdoors!
It was mid August when a lymph node started to enlarge in her neck right before it was time to start high-dose radiation. We started her radiation journey, switched chemo regimens and found out quickly that the combo of everything was so toxic on such a little body. She got very sick and was hospitalized for a total of three weeks. We then finished radiation with success, kept going on her chemo regimen and thought we were in the clear towards the last half of her treatment. It was then I felt the tiniest bump on her back during an inpatient treatment. It felt like a pulled muscle and because Rhabdomyosarcoma is a muscle and soft tissue cancer it had me VERY concerned. I demanded an ultrasound which came back looking suspicious. We had an MRI the next morning to find out it had spread everywhere throughout her body. We then had the dreadful talk with her oncologist and the palliative care team where they gave us weeks to months to live.
We didn’t stop fighting there, We had tons of doctors give us their opinions and got her on some other treatments. It was three and half weeks later River Lou Opper met her creator. She knew and loved Jesus so much. Even at 19 months old, I am confident as her mother that she was so excited to meet Him in person that evening. We will forever live on in River’s honor.
– Madalynn Opper, River’s Mother
Given in memory of my cousin, Maxine Clayton, of Charleston, Illinois. She was a beautiful lady in every way.
Buying a couple shirts for family, in honor of my Sweet daughter, River Lou. Mama misses you sooooooo much honey girl. I promise to keep working hard in your honor. With CKC we will make a difference!!!
Donated in loving memory of my mother, Eileen Myers Thomas. Today would be her 104 earthly birthday. She was a ray of sunshine to everyone. Cancer took her from us 2 days before her 48th birthday.
Given in celebration of Mother’s Day 2025
Given in memory of my “Prince Charming”, Stan Thorington. He was, and still is, the love of my life. We would be celebrating his 85th birthday this month but cancer took him from us at age 63.
Given in memory of Mark Petersen. Mark is the brother of my very dear friend Susan Woodenburg. He was a very loving person dedicated to family, friends and community. Another person who fought a brave battle against cancer.
This donation is to honor and express my deep gratitude to everyone who serves or has served in the military. God bless America! Memorial Day 2025
Donated in celebration of my sister’s birthday, June Thomas-Truswell. June makes every day special. She is dedicated to her God, her family, her friends, and her occupation. She makes the world a better place and has been a positive influence in the lives of all of her students for over 40 years! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
In honor of my husband and love of my live who was taken from us by liver cancer.
This donation is given to honor my lovely niece, Alexandra Truswell, on her birthday!
Donation in honor of my nephew, Jonathan Truswell’s 41st birthday! Have a great day.
I am so glad our paths crossed you are a true Warrior for children with cancer!
Veteran’s Day. 2025. God bless all who have served and also bless their families.
Honoring my best and forever friend, Karen Swanson. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to my nephew, Ted Truswell!
Given in loving memory of our class member and friend, Karen Sue Kelly (Sunrise 6/14/1945 - Sunset 2/11/2026). We graduated from Memorial Hospital of South Bend, School of Nursing, Class of 1966. Karen spent most of her career taking care of the tiniest patients in the NICU at Porter Memorial Hospital in Valparaiso, Indiana. She lit up every room she ever entered. Her smile was contagious and she was always fun and brought joy to all with her positive attitude. She belonged to the class quartet and there music entertained every special event. We all especially remember their great rendition of \"Swinging on a Star\". She supported River\'s Fund with several donations and she is being honored by the following classmates. Glenda Bogucki Judy Holmgren Barbara Howlett Teddie Jelinek Sally Long Marilynn Meek Karen Naue Joanne Rutzen Sheryl Sabie Elaine Shea Jean Slater Billie Thorington Susan Tufani Cheryl Watson
Given to honor the birthday of River’s cousins. Happy Birthday to Eden and Easton Opper!
Given to celebrate the birthday of River’s daddy, Travis Opper!! The love she had for her Da was the best ever.
Today is River’s earthly 4th birthday. Our heart’s are forever broken. We support Curing Kid’s Cancer with the hope that no other child or family will ever experience this.
Good bless you Madalynn Opper. You really rock this earth!!
Given in celebration of the third earthly birthday of our little angel, River Lou Opper. She made a huge positive contribution to the world in the short time she was here. We are all trying in our own way to continue your legacy. I feel your love and presence with my every heartbeat.
Donation given in celebration of the birthday of my niece, Alexandra Truswell. She has a special place in my heart because she is a LDR nurse…. the best I’ve even known!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
RIVER LOU HONEY COMPANY JUNE PAYMENT
Lakeview Fire Truck Pull
Village Kupps- Icon Campaign
In lieu of sending holiday cards this year a donation has been given in loving memory of precious River Lou.
Given in memory of Ann Marie Korn, the daughter of one of my nursing sisters, who died in France on January 6, 2025.
Given in celebration of the 81st birthday of my forever best friend, Karen Marie Swanson.
Given in memory of Isaiah “Zay” Donald Benavides who was greeted in Heaven by his savior, our Lord Jesus Christ and our little angel, River Lou. He fought rhabdomyo sarcoma, the same form of cancer that River fought. He was 6 years old and captured our hearts and love.
Given in loving memory of my 2 month old great-grandson, Warren James Scott Hale. Jesus loves the children!
Given in celebration of the 57th birthday of a great guy, my “son-in-law”, Ken Huhn!
From Kassi borr corley
Given in loving memory of Stan’s cousin, Kathy Burdick, who joined him in heaven on March 11, 2025.
Given in memory of a good friend from Saranac, Michigan…….Andris Salka.
Given in memory of Richard Alwald. Richard is the brother of my dear nursing school friend, Sally Awald Long.
In honor of River’s cousin’s birthday……..Easton and Eden. Happy Birthday!! GG
Given in celebration of Travis Opper’s birthday. God knew when he picked Trav to be River’s “Da” that she would get the most love, happiness, joy and care available on this beautiful Earth!
Given in honor of Valentine’s Day for all who have a special place in my heart!
