Help Support Kayla and Cooper

After an unexpected diagnosis of aggressive, acute leukemia on his 35th birthday, PJ Eckert passed away suddenly 3 days later on March 26. We are beyond heartbroken for Kayla and their 1 month old son, Cooper. We are devastated for Kayla’s loss of her fiancé and best friend, and our hearts ache that Cooper will grow up without his daddy by his side. It's impossible to understand.

Anyone who is lucky enough to be friends with Kayla knows that she is the friend who drops everything to help someone in need. Now she needs us. Kayla and Cooper will undoubtedly face many tough days and years ahead. It is our hope that this Go Fund Me will alleviate some of the financial stress and go towards Cooper’s future expenses and education.

We understand not everyone is able to contribute financially. Please know that sharing this fund via social media and email will be so helpful in reaching others who wish to support them during this time.

Kayla asked me to share the following: “I am absolutely heartbroken and devastated to share that PJ passed away early this morning around 1:15AM after a shocking diagnosis of aggressive acute leukemia. I took him to the ER on his birthday, Thursday, March 23rd, for COVID dehydration, and we were given the worst news we could ever imagine. He fought hard over the past few days, just like he did through many of the difficulties thrown at him during his lifetime. I am lucky to have had the past 5 years with him where he has made me feel the most loved and protected that I ever have. He always wanted to become a father and we were blessed with a perfect baby boy one month ago. PJ was amazing with our baby and doted on this little boy for the short time Cooper was lucky enough to have him. PJ would have been the most amazing father to him. Cooper will know his father through me and all his loving family. I will forever miss my soulmate and best friend. We had so many plans and so much to do together and as a family. I know he’ll be watching down on me as I try to be the best mommy to our perfect little Cooper, and he’ll be the best guardian angel to his boy.”

Arrangements for PJ

Wake - Wednesday, March 29

2-4 and 7-9

Boulevard Funeral Home

1151 River Road

New Milford, NJ

Funeral - Thursday, March 30

10 am

Saint Joseph RC Church

300 Elm Street

Oradell, NJ