8-Year-Old Son Of Wayne Principal Dies Of Brain Cancer

WAYNE, NJ - The son of Anthony Wayne Middle School's principal lost his battle against a rare brain cancer this week at the age of 8.

Earlier this year, Henry Aulenbach was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma and underwent chemotherapy after having surgery to remove the tumor.

On Thursday, exactly 11 months after his diagnosis of Stage 4/Grade 4 cancer, he died. Henry leaves behind his parents, David and Christine, twin brothers, Charlie and Joe, his grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins, according to his obituary.

Over the last few months, the Hackettstown family has kept a Facebook page chronicling Aulenbach's progress. Their hometown community, as well as Wayne, have organized efforts to help the family.

In an update on Thursday, they wrote: "Henry entered this world on October 23, 2011. From the moment he was born he was emotionally moved by music. Music calmed his crying, music made him happy, music brought on excitement. He loved singing along to old 45s that played in our family jukebox, his favorites always being anything by The Beatles. Henry loved being a good student, a good learner and a good friend. He loved playing Minecraft, Roblox, Pokemon and playing outside. His very favorite thing to do was hang out with his brothers."

They also said, "We won't wish Henry rest, for we know he rested far too much in these last 11 months. Walk, Run, Skip, Jump, Fly High My Son! Fly High in Peace!"

A wake will be held Dec. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Panther Valley Ecumenical Church in Hackettstown. On Dec. 14, a 2 p.m. memorial service will take place, also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Smiles For Margaret, First Hope Bank (41 Rt. 46, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840).