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Father Of NJ Boy Who Died Of Enterovirus D68 Announces Foundation In Son's Honor

By Pat Ciarrocchi

HAMILTON Twp., N.J., (CBS) -- A grieving father shares the raw emotion of losing a son.

Four-year-old Eli Waller was the first child to die from Enterovirus D-68.

Friday, he shared with CBS 3 Eyewitness News how he's turning tragedy into action -- and in turn, keeping his son's memory alive.

"He was like a little puppy dog that looks at you and wants to make you happy. That really was Eli."

Andy Waller of Hamilton Township lit up as he remembered his four-year-old son. Fifteen days ago, a nightmare unfolded for this young family with triplets. Their only son, a blonde, smiling lover of soccer and dance and his two sisters, died from the Enterovirus D-68. His death was the first in the country.

Eli hadn't shown signs of being sick. Waller said one of his daughters had developed pink-eye, so concerned about being contagious, Eli sayed home pre-school at Yardville Elementary. Waller said that last Wednesday together was fun.

"I gave him a kiss on the forehead, said 'night, night' and told him, have a great day tomorrow. He said, I will, Daddy, I will."

The next morning, Eli didn't wake up. The Medical Examiner sent samples to the CDC. The results showed Enterovirus D-68. An autopsy also showed enlarged lymph nodes and some brain swelling, according to the Hamilton Township Health Officer.

"When something like this happens, you have to make a choice," said Waller. "And that choice is are you going to languish and be sad for the rest of your life, or are you doing to make something good happen?"

Because Eli loved the first day of school, with its new backpack and special outfit, within days, the Wallers thought a foundation that helps children with special needs in school would be a wonderful way to honor Eli.

The First Day of School Foundation website is up and ready for donations.

Waller hopes if the foundation finds traction, his family would like to offer tuition to programs that might support a child's occupational or physical therapy.

"My wife and I are heartbroken. We miss Eli every day and we love him very much. We are determined to make him proud."

To help, go to: www.firstdayofschoolfoundation.org.

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