3-Year-Old Somerset County Resident Losses His 'Super Hero' Battle With Cancer

Connor Crooks entered this world a superhero - but on June 18, the inspirational 3-year-old lost his battle with brain cancer while surrounded by his parents Erin and Casey, and twin-sister, Claire at their home in Bernardsville.

“Connor’s life, although far too short, left a lasting impression on the hearts and souls of many,” according to his obituary. ”Those that were touched by him understood that the quality of one’s existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives.”

Just like any toddler, Connor enjoyed playing with his toy trains, trucks, and his trips to the Jersey Shore with his family.

“His devoted twin sister Claire, is what brought him the most joy, happiness, entertainment and an everlasting bond,” Connor’s obituary said.

However, Connor was no ordinary toddler.

On March 6, 2012, Connor and his sister were born prematurely at just 25 weeks old. Weighing only 1 pound 10 ounces, he was considered a ”micro-preemie” and spent an extensive amount of time in a natal intensive care unit.

At 23-months-old, Connor was diagnosed with an extremely rare brain tumor called medullomyoblastoma which, after multiple chemotherapy treatments and brain surgeries, was re-diagnosed as an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the central nervous system, according to New Jersey Hills.

Connor endured two brain surgeries, completed 6 rounds of chemo, and received proton radiation treatment.

In January of this year, Connor’s treatment plan shifted from curing his disease to hospice care after a post-treatment scan of his brain revealed four new tumors - one of which was incurable, according to his profile on Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

His parent’s documented both Connor and Claire’s journey as ”micro-preemie,” and later Connor’s diagnosis, on their blog - CONNOR & CLAIRE: Our Twinspirations.

The blog is filled with personal anecdotes and updates about Connor’s journey with cancer up to the day of his passing.

“He waited for his sister to get home from camp, as she kissed him and Casey and I held his hands he took his last breath,” his mother said on the blog. ” We will never be the same, we are beyond heartbroken but so incredibly blessed to have been his parents.”

A celebration of Connor’s life will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bernardsville, NJ at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 22. In lieu of flowers, donations in Connor’s name may be made to Heartworks NJ.