More than 100 police officers, firefighters, and EMTs surprised 9-year-old Parth Patel, who is diagnosed with cancer, with a hero-themed parade from his house on Nelson Avenue to School 27 on North Street in Jersey City on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, followed by a pizza party in the auditorium. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal
Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal
By: Jonathan Lin | The Jersey Journal
The family of the 9-year-old boy who died of cancer on Saturday is thanking everyone who supported him.
Parth Patel, who suffered from Ewing Sarcoma, died just days after Jersey City first responders surprised him with a hero-themed parade, leaving his family and supporters heartbroken.
Parth’s 18-year-old sister Hileri Patel issued a statement yesterday on behalf of her family describing what her brother meant to the community and thanking all who rallied behind him.
“Parth was an inspiration to us all. We are not the only ones who have suffered a great loss. Everyone who he touched has suffered as well. He was a true superhero who, in his 9 short years, taught us all many valuable lessons.
“But, he forgot to teach us one thing. How are we to live without him? I want to thank everyone who has supported our family and especially Parth through these hard times.
“Thank you to everyone who loved, supported, respected, and cherished him through his battle. We will always miss you, Parth. We will always love you.”
An online memorial fund has been started for Parth Patel and his family and can be found on their GoFundMe page.
The parade for Parth was organized by Jersey City Police Officer Adrien Murrell — who lost her own brother to cancer — after she heard Parth was terminally ill. Around 100 police officers, firefighters and EMTs took part in the procession, which traveled from the boy’s home to School 27.
First responders turned out again on Tuesday in full force to pay their respects at Patel’s viewing and funeral.
Jersey City police officers carried the boy’s casket out of the funeral home and placed it into a hearse following the service.
