Family of boy who died from Enterovirus D68 start foundation

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (WABC) -- The father of a young enterovirus victim delivered an emotional message Friday.

4-year-old Eli Waller died back in September.

His death was the first in which enterovirus D68 was the confirmed cause.

Eli's parents say he loved nothing more than to make those around him proud and happy and his sudden passing has left countless people heartbroken.

In honor of Eli's loving memory, his family is now starting a non-profit called The First Day of School Foundation which will help kids in special education.

4-year-old Eli Waller was a preschooler at Yardville Elementary where loved playing soccer and dancing.

A little over two weeks ago, he suddenly became ill and passed away in his sleep.

Doctors later confirmed Eli contracted the highly contagious D68 strain of the enterovirus.

Since his passing, there's been an outpouring of love and support from the Hamilton Township community.

It's been a devastating loss for Eli's family but they're now finding some semblance of peace through The First Day of School Foundation which will carry on Eli's legacy and help other children.

"My wife and I are just heartbroken. And we miss Eli a great deal and we love him very much. He was really excited about the first day of school, my new "Star Wars" backpack and lunchbox and new outfit. My wife and I thought we could maybe start something where we could raise some money for kids to get them some of those same things, needy kids who couldn't afford those kinds of things on their own," said Andrew Waller, Eli's father.