Young victim of EV-D68 brings NJ community together

HAMILTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- 4-year-old Eli Waller broke hearts across his community in Hamilton Township, New Jersey when he died from Enterovirus D68.

On Sunday, that same community came out to support a foundation in his honor.

Smiling faces of kids in costume filled the "Smiles for Eli" fundraiser benefiting the First Day of School Foundation. The foundation was founded by Andy Waller, Eli's father, to help special needs students like Eli.

"He was involved in special education, he benefited greatly from it. His teachers in school really helped him tremendously, and his after-school activities, too," Waller said.

Eli became the first confirmed fatality in the US from EV-D68 on September 25.

He was a triplet; his two sisters were not affected.

The days after his death, state, local and school officials worked to decontaminate his school where another child fell ill, but later tested negative for the virus.

Health officials worked to calm the community through town meetings.

Almost immediately following Eli's death, his family bravely announced the organization of The First Day of School Foundation, which focuses on helping students with learning disabilities.

At Sunday's event, kids took photos at the Erica Haller Photo Studios. The $10 photo fee will go to the foundation.

"We're hoping to gather supplies like backpacks and outfits for kids as they are starting school. The other way this has moved along, we want to try to provide tuition assistance for after-school activities," Waller said.

The funding from Sunday's event goes towards special education programs in the Hamilton area but Eli's family says if their program grows they want to help other programs across the state.