Late Wayne Cub Scout Honored With Posthumous Award

WAYNE, NJ — Caleb Van de Voort wanted to help others. He wanted to be a super hero. He always pretended he was Spider-Man. Before he died in January, the beloved Van de Voort decided he wanted to be an organ donor.

Van de Voort gave so much to others. He was a member of Wayne Cub Scout Pack 108. Earlier this month, the Boy Scouts of America gave something back to Van de Voort's family.

Van de Voort, an 8-year-old from Haledon, was awarded the Boy Scouts' Spirit of Eagle Award. The award recognizes the contributions of Scouts who died in an untimely accident or illness. Van de Voort's father, Justin accepted the award on his son's behalf at the pack's annual Blue and Gold Dinner. (See related: NJ Boy Who Wanted To Be Spider-Man Donates Organs To Others)

Van de Voort died suddenly after going into cardiac arrest after he had a severe asthma attack, ABC7 reported. More than $7,400 was donated on a GoFundMe campaign to help his family pay for the funeral expenses.

Van de Voort's donation helped save the lives of eight people and his tissues helped save the lives of 75 others, ABC7 reported.

"He was my rock and I hurt in ways I cannot describe," Justin Van de Voort said after his son died,"but I picture him now happier than ever with much love where he is and everything he could ever want."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com