Courageous Hillsborough 7-Year-Old Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — After a courageous four-year fight against brain cancer, Hillsborough seven-year-old Adeline Thea Eick has died.

Adeline, a second grader at Hillsborough Elementary School, died on Friday, Nov. 14, peacefully surrounded by her family. It was less than one year after her dad Ed Eick, age 55, died, who also battled his own form of brain cancer.

"I am grateful to God for every day that He gave me with Adeline. Every day with her was a gift that I will cherish forever. I am so lucky to be her mom," said Adeline's mother, Christine. "She let out a long deep sigh as she passed. I think it was a sigh of relief. I think Daddy came to carry her home."

Adeline was diagnosed with an ultra-rare genetic condition, CMMRD, at just two years old, and then with brain cancer the day after her third birthday.

"In spite of every challenge she faced, Adeline's courage and fearlessness shone brightly. She inspired countless people, especially her dad, Ed, as they both walked through their illnesses with extraordinary strength," according to her obituary shared by Hillsborough Funeral Home.

Adeline was described as loving the world around her with a curiosity that couldn’t be contained.

At just nine months old, she made a cameo appearance on the TV show Younger. At age three, she proudly served as Hillsborough’s mayor and police chief for a day.

When she was five, Adeline chose to go to Disney World for her Make-a-Wish trip, which was full of memories that her family will cherish forever.

"Through every trial, Adeline remained brave, funny, and full of light. She adored the doctors and nurses at CHOP who cared for her, and she had deep compassion for the other children she met during treatment. She dreamed of becoming a nurse when she grew up so she could take care of kids like herself," according to her obituary.

Adeline is survived by her loving mom, Christine; her sister, Scarlett; and her big brothers, Tyler and Carson.

She is also survived by her grandparents Thomas and Donna Gianino and Edward T. Eick Sr.; and her aunts and uncles Laura (Joseph) Lombardi, Eric (Joyce) Eick, Brian (Kristin) Eick, Bethany (Andrzej) Dziedzic, Kevin (Manjula) Eick, and Gregory O'Callaghan; as well as many cousins, extended family, and friends.

She is predeceased by her father, Edward T. Eick Jr., and grandmother, Micki O’Callaghan.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at Mary Mother of God Church in Hillsborough. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be directed to Steps Together and Liv Like a Unicorn, organizations close to the family's heart.

Previous Reporting:

• Hillsborough Dad, Age 55, Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer
• Hillsborough 5-Year-Old And Dad Both Battling Brain Cancer Together
• Hillsborough 4-Year-Old With Genetic Cancer Celebrates Positive News
• 3-Year-Old Hero Battles Brain Cancer, Takes Over Hillsborough
• Hillsborough 3-Year-Old Fighting Brain Cancer Needs Your Help

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