7-Year-Old's Memory Honored By Hillsborough Elementary School With Birthday Walk

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Elementary School marked what would have been Adeline Eick's eighth birthday with a school-wide memorial walk celebrating the student's love of all things magical.

On June 17, students wore sneakers and dressed as something magical as the school community honored Adeline's memory and raised money for two organizations that supported her family.

Adeline died on Nov. 14, 2025, after a battle with brain cancer. Read More: Courageous Hillsborough 7-Year-Old Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer

Just before her third birthday, she was diagnosed with Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency, or CMMRD, a rare genetic syndrome that significantly increases the risk of developing cancer.

Her mother, Christine Eick, documented the family's experience in a blog titled Adeline Prevails, which followed both Adeline's fight and her husband's battle with the same disease.

Adeline had died less than one year after her dad Ed Eick, age 55, died, who also battled his own form of brain cancer.

Inspired by the theme Adeline Prevails, Hillsborough Elementary teachers organized the walk to celebrate Adeline's life and enduring spirit.

During her years at the school, Adeline received homebound instruction through kindergarten, first and second grades, but returned whenever possible for special events and time with classmates.

The school said she developed a close relationship with kindergarten teacher Shawna Guzy, who became a trusted friend to the Eick family.

Guzy and Adeline's second-grade teacher, Mrs. Wright, organized the birthday walk to honor her memory while supporting Steps Together and Liv Like a Unicorn, two organizations that provided meaningful assistance to the family.

Families were invited to donate and decorate paper unicorns with their names.

The unicorns were then displayed throughout the school's hallways.

The fundraiser collected $1,735.05 in total, with $935 donated to Liv Like a Unicorn and $800.05 benefiting Steps Together.

The event also included a permanent tribute outside the kindergarten classroom, where teacher Joyce Bordonaro, who also taught Adeline, painted a mural featuring a unicorn.

Many students incorporated unicorns and the color seafoam green into their outfits because of Adeline's interests.

Members of Adeline's family attended the walk alongside students, teachers and staff as the school community came together to celebrate her life and support families facing similar challenges.

Previous Reporting:

• Courageous Hillsborough 7-Year-Old Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer

• Hillsborough Dad, Age 55, Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer
• Hillsborough 5-Year-Old And Dad Both Battling Brain Cancer Together
• Hillsborough 4-Year-Old With Genetic Cancer Celebrates Positive News
• 3-Year-Old Hero Battles Brain Cancer, Takes Over Hillsborough
• Hillsborough 3-Year-Old Fighting Brain Cancer Needs Your Help

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