Cailen Thomas Vela, age 7, of Fruitport, Michigan, gained his Angel wings on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous 3-year long battle with cancer. He was born on September 15, 2018, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Cody and Aly (Howe) Vela.

Cailen showed everyone he met that he was so much more than cancer. Cancer never defined him; his joy, strength, and light are how he will be remembered. No matter what Cailen was facing, he showed up smiling. Running around, laughing loudly, loving deeply, and living every single moment to the absolute fullest. Cailen loved adventure, including a whale watching trip to California, countless camping trips, multiple kid-camps, hanging out with his many friends, always wanting to go on a bear hunt, and always wanting his “crazy sister” by his side.

Cailen was a beloved member of Connection Point Church in Muskegon, where his bright spirit touched many. He had a deep love for the Detroit Tigers and especially cherished his friendship with pitcher, Sawyer Gipson-Long. Cailen found joy in the worlds of Spider-Man, Minecraft, and Roblox. Cailen’s favorite color, orange, seemed to reflect his vibrant and energetic personality. Cailen loved spending time playing with his close friends and sharing laughter wherever he went. God placed Cailen and his special friend Harrison on a collision course at a time they both needed each other, during radiation treatment which turned into a lifelong brotherhood.

Through his courage and determination, Cailen participated in Kids Kicking Cancer, where he was presented with his black belt, by Sensei Michael —an inspiring testament to his strength and resilience. Cailen was loved by so many community organizations that there are too many to list, but especially Kids Kicking Cancer, Shields of Hope of Western Michigan, Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit, Benefit4Kids, Special Days, Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles, and Make-a-Wish.

Cailen will be deeply missed by his loving parents, Cody and Aly Vela; his sister, Alyssa Vela; grandparents, Scott (Joni) Westfield and Greg (Sue) Howe; great-grandparents: Thomas (Janet) Joiner, Janice Joiner, and Doug (Linda) Redman; his aunts, Emily (David) McCrary and Seana Vela; and uncle, Trevor Vela; his cousins: Adelaide, Ameila, and Oliver; as well as many other family members. He also will be greatly missed by his teachers and friends at Fruitport Community Schools and his Fruitport Football Team.

Cailen was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Bob and Elaine Howe; great-uncle, Thomas Joiner; and cousin, Alyssa Harper.

The family would like to thank C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital for the compassionate and loving care that they provided for Cailen for the last three years.

The Funeral Service for Cailen will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven, with Pastor Holly Hazekamp officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Additional visitations will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Connection Point Church in Muskegon. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery with family at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to “Cailen Loves Everybody,” a fund that he personally named and said that he wants to help children whenever they need it. Please click to donate: https://www.venmo.com/u/CailenLovesEverybody

Cody and Aly encourage everyone to come dressed in Cailen’s favorite things, including the Tigers, orange and yellow, Spiderman, Minecraft, Super Mario, How to Train Your Dragon and Disney.

** For those who were unable to attend the Funeral Service for Cailen, it was recorded.

To view, please click below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zq-bwrJqz0

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