7-year-old fighting rare disease dies day after honorary Marine ceremony
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A 7-year-old boy who became an honorary Marine over the weekend died as a result of his fight against Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome, a rare neurological disorder.
On Sunday, just one day after being the 92nd person to receive the special honor, Wyatt Gillette died "peaceful and pain free," his father said in a Facebook post.
Wyatt was diagnosed with the rare disease when he was 4 years old. The condition affects the brain, immune system and skin. He had dealt with hypertension, kidney failure and other issues. As a result of his worsening condition over the past year, his parents, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Gillette and Felishia Gillette, reached out to friends and family on social media for support.
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That quickly turned in to a group petition asking the Marine Corps to honor the little warrior. On Saturday, after the Marines approved the request, Wyatt was awarded the honorary title during a ceremony at the Marine Corps Base Camp in Pendleton, Calif.