3-Year-Old Hero Battles Brain Cancer, Takes Over Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough three-year-old Adeline Eick, who battled brain cancer and is nothing short of an inspiration, recently took over the township.

Acting as Mayor for the day, her first order of business - "Macaroni and cheese for everyone!" said Adeline's mom Christine Eick.

Adeline was invited to take over Hillsborough after township officials learned of her battle. She was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder called Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency Syndrome (CMMRD) that can lead to brain and other cancers. Read More: Hillsborough 3-Year-Old Fighting Brain Cancer Needs Your Help

She was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, a grade III glioma known as an anaplastic astrocytoma and is currently undergoing treatment.

On. Aug. 4, Adeline woke up and headed over to the hospital to undergo her first round of radiation treatment. Then in the afternoon she still had the energy to serve as Mayor and Police Chief for the day.

She took the Oath of Office and also met Freddy, Hillsborough Township's recently retired K9. She then learned how to work the sirens and lights in a police vehicle.

Township employees also presented Adeline's parents Christine and Ed Eick with cards and letters of motivation, support and encouragement.

"She had a lot of fun. Once she had the gavel, made a proclamation and sat in the mayor's chair she was happy," said Ed Eick.

The township even gave Adeline a cape during the visit.

"With or without her Kaptain Cleanup cape, Adeline is a Hillsborough hero!" said the township.

Adeline will wrap up radiation in mid to the end of September then she will likely receive immunotherapy.

The Eick's are humble people and were reluctant to start a GoFundMe fundraising site for medical costs. However, Christine's sister encouraged them to do it since Ed Eick had to shut down his daycare business and Christine is taking a lot of time off work to care for Adeline.

"Adeline's illness is a lifelong thing. Every few months things could change and we will be holding our breath because we don't know what is coming," said Ed Eick.

"There will probably be future cancers down the road for her. This won't be the only cancer for her," said Christine.

When Adeline turns four-years-old she will begin to have regular colonoscopies. All of these procedures are to help Adeline to catch anything early in order to treat it right away. It's not a matter if something will happen it's when.

In the meantime, her parents say Adeline is in good spirits. She loves to use her imagination, color with mommy, read, and to perform little puppet shows.

"She sings little songs, plays little jokes, and magic tricks. She is whimsical," said Ed Eick. "She is just living life... She has such a beautiful heart."

To learn more or to donate visit the GoFundMe fundraising website to help the Eick family with all of the medical expenses associated with Adeline.

You can also follow Adeline's journey at facebook.com/adelineprevails or adelineprevails.com.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters