'Strongest Kid We Ever Knew:' Berkeley Loses A Heart

BERKELEY, N.J. — Berkeley lost another heart. Ethan John, born with a heart defect, passed away May 8. He was 5.

Ethan was born Nov. 3, 2013, in the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He needed heart surgery at 2 days old. His mother, Brittany Pawlowski, spent every day at the hospital with him. When she wasn't at the hospital, she was at the Ronald McDonald House in Camden.

Ethan had several heart surgeries, but his battle ended May 8.

"He no longer has to suffer the horrible battle he was fighting," Pawlowski said. "He was the strongest kid (we) ever knew. He never gave up and always fought with a smile on his face. He will never be forgotten and always will be loved bu many."

Ethan's passing comes as Berkeley Township mourns the loss of Carly Fetzer, who also battled a congenital heart defect. Carly, 18, passed away April 27. Read more: Berkeley Remembers Carly For Her Courage, Perseverance, Smile

The community can donate to the GoFundMe, Prayers For Ethan John, to help cover funeral costs.

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