AJ Marks, an 8-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumor six months ago, will be the focus of “A day for AJ” on Saturday, Oct. 11, in Churubusco.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. at the Churubusco Church of the Nazarene, 1000 W. Whitley St. with a pulled pork and sloppy joe dinner. A silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m., as well as games for the children, face painting, hayrides and cotton candy treats.

Door prizes will be given out throughout the evening and the family celebration  will end at 9 p.m. All proceeds will go to the AJ Marks Trust Fund.

About AJ

AJ lives in Lafayette with his parents, Chris and Christy Marks and his big brother, Austin, but the family has many friends and family members in Churubusco.

In March, AJ was rushed to the hospital after having a seizure and being found unconscious. He was diagnosed with medulloblastoma - a malignant brain tumor. Although rare, medulloblastoma is a common brain tumor in children, and responsible for 25 percent of all pediatric brain cancers.

The quick growing tumors affect the muscles and coordination of its victims. It occurs in both sexes, but is more often found in boys.

A normal 8-year-old who liked watching movies, playing games, reading, and playing with his beloved dog, Lucy, AJ’s life - and that of his family - was turned upside down after he was airlifted to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis where they performed emergency, life-saving surgery.

Since then, AJ has undergone three more surgeries and chemotherapy treatment.

Test results show the tumor has shrunk to an immeasurable size. AJ currently is  undergoing an aggressive 24-week regime of chemotherapy.

Community invited to help AJ

Dozens of donated items are up for bid in the silent auction including gift certificates for restaurants, a homemade pie club, department and retail stores, hair styling and products, golf, bowling, sporting goods, dental cleaning, math tutoring and more.

Other items include free passes for Splash Universe, Kings Island, Komet hockey games, and Deep River Waterpark and an autographed photo of Peyton Manning.

If you are unable to attend the benefit and would like to help AJ and his family, donations may be sent to Lafayette Savings Bank, c/o AJ Marks Trust Fund, P.O. Box 1628, Lafayette, IN 47902.