Middle School Teachers Will Donate to Child's Cause

A Hopatcong boy who battled a brain tumor had his wish come true. Now he wants to help others realize their dreams.

And middle school teachers want to help him give back.

The teachers will pay at least $5 each to wear jeans on Friday. But the casual clothing isn't their motivation. All of the money will go toward Brandon Vanderhoof's goal of raising funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Vanderhoof, 13, and a team of supporters will participate in in Walk For Wishes at Liberty State Park in Jersey City on Oct. 16.

The team hoped to raise at least $4,000. Vanderhoof's personal goal was $1,500. As of Tuesday night, the team had raised $4,290, but Vanderhoof was $150 short of his mark.

Vanderhoof's father, Todd, was the event's third-highest fundraiser at $2,025. Brandon Vanderhoof was No. 4.

Middle school Principal Lou Benfatti said his staff couldn't wait to contribute to the eighth-grader's cause.

"They felt that would be something worthwhile, knowing Brandon and the amount of issues that he's been going through," Benfatti said. "And being a big supporter of his, we wanted to show that support by collecting the money and giving it to him.

"We want to fully support him and have his needs met as far as being able to participate in the walk."

Sue Hill, an English teacher, has Vanderhoof during lunch duty.

"He's a doll," Hill said. "An absolute doll. Always smiling. Polite.

"He demonstrates good character as far as I'm concerned. Here's a child who went through a difficult time, and he's giving back. He's paying it forward and I just love that. And what we want with our children is development and demonstration of good character. And he didn't have to be taught it. It's just great."

Vanderhoof was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 10 after a sudden seizure. He's undergone several surgeries, the most recent a pair of seven-hour procedures at the end of July to remove remaining bits of tumor.

The Make-A-Wish foundation helped Vanderhoof realize his dream of swimming with dolphins in Florida.

Vanderhoof's recovery has been steady his father, Todd, said.

"He's a really good kid," Hill said. "To see a kid his age take it upon himself to help others because he had a good experience is just awesome. It really is."

Click here to donate to Vanderhoof's cause.