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After 8-month fight, dad says goodbye to son with cancer

Kate Penn
York (Pa.) Daily Record
Ayden Zeigler-Kohler, 10, of Springettsbury Township, Pa., smiles in early March 2017, as he cuddles with three bear cubs in the Sproul State Forrest in Noyse Township, Pa. Ayden and his father, Bill Kohler, left, were invited to hold the cubs who were being checked on as a part of a Pennsylvania Game Commission study after a wildlife conservation officer read that Ayden was dying from a rare childhood cancer.

SPRINGETTSBURY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The boy's family knew it was coming soon, the day his heart would stop beating.

They had known since August when Ayden Zeigler-Kohler was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer at 9 years old. Doctors said he had eight to 12 months to live.

He didn't even make it eight months.

Ayden died Wednesday at home, surrounded by people who loved him. He was 10.

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The final months of Ayden's short life were filled with adventure. His father, Bill Kohler, made sure of that.

Between doctor's appointments, chemotherapy and MRIs, they tried to fit a full life into a few months.

After they shared their story last month, people from around the world reached out, offering to help them make lasting memories.

Friends and strangers raised nearly $90,000 to help cover costs.

He went on hunting and fishing trips, spending hours with his family outside — one of his favorite places.

Ayden, who could no longer walk, clung to his father's back on the way to visit bear cubs in the woods. They nuzzled his cheeks and curled up in his lap, a moment that the Pennsylvania Game Commission set up.

Duff Goldman from Ace of Cakes and Guy Fieri, a restaurant owner and TV personality, called to talk to Ayden.

And Sunday, he went backstage at a WWE match to meet some of his professional wrestling heroes.

This weekend, they were supposed to see the Harlem Globetrotters, a trick basketball team.

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Ayden's two older brothers were among the family that had gathered at his bedside Monday night. The three had a saying they would recite to each other.

Together, they said it one last time.

"Bub, I love you to the moon and back," Arian Kohler said.

"And to the end of the world," Ayden said.

He pointed to his second brother.

"And to the end of the sun," Pierce Bloom said.

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Ayden didn't wake up again after Tuesday night.

His young heart held on until Wednesday morning. When it finally stopped, his dad went to his side.

"Thank you for giving me everything you've given," he said. "Go run again. Play again. I love you, son."

Follow Kate Penn on Twitter: @k8penn