BRIGHTON, Colo. -- A heartbroken Adams County couple is pleading with thieves to return some cherished, final images of their late son.

Elijah Kurtz died Nov. 25 of Leigh's disease, a disorder characterized by the breakdown of the central nervous system.

He was 2 years, 9 months old when he died.

Their child was buried just two weeks ago but Chad and Ann Kurtz awoke early Thursday to find someone had broken into their home as they slept. Even worse was finding out what had been taken.

A digital camera and video camera containing Eli's final moments and last goodbyes were missing, along with some Denver Broncos gear that had been signed by some of the players.

The Kurtzes said they don't care about the cameras themselves, but want the memory card and videotape that contain the last photos of Eli.

"I can't put a price on a memory. You can't put a price on love. And we loved our son so much and he was loved by so many that it hurts so much to know that somebody would go into his room," said Chad Kurtz.

"The last picture of Eli and his Daddy -- that was taken in the jersey that's missing. And I know that's going to crush his Daddy for the rest of our lives if we don't see it again. Whoever has the jersey won't nearly get as much enjoyment out of it as we did," said Ann Kurtz, sobbing.

Anyone with information in the case is being urged to call the Adams County Sheriff's Department.

The family also asked that if you have any of Eli's stolen items, you can send it anonymously to:
Eli's Angels
P.O. Box 423
Eastlake, CO 80614-0423

The couple has established a Web site to help other families with children suffering from Leigh's disease. Click here to learn more. To learn more about the Leigh's Disease, go to the Web site for National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.