Fair 47°

SHARE

Haledon Boy, 8, Who Died Of Asthma Hoped His Kidney Could Help 'Pop Pop' Live

A Haledon family with a distinguished lineage of first responders is hoping the organs of an 8-year-old boy who died Monday night from complications of an asthma attack will help others live -- especially his grandfather.

Cecilia Levine
Email me Read More Stories

Caleb Van De Voort overheard his father and grandmother discussing an organ transplant for his maternal "pop pop," retired Haledon Police Chief Louis Mercuro, when he offered his own.

Justin Van De Voort explained the process of organ donation to his son -- and, still, Caleb wanted to help. 

If tests show a match, his kidney will help his grandfather live.

"[Caleb] was so much stronger than I," said Van Der Voort, a former Haledon firefighter. "And like Spider Man he is a true superhero now."

Caleb is being hailed as a true hero

GoFundMe

Caleb was a 2nd grader in Haledon

Screen Grab

A GoFundMe was established for the Van De Voort family.

Caleb comes from a long line of local heroes. 

His great-grandfather, Darwin Van De Voort, and father were both Haledon firefighters. His grandfather, Roy Van De Voort, is currently a member.

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

CHECK BACK FOR ARRANGEMENTS

to follow Daily Voice Mahwah-Ramsey and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE