Monday, August 1, 2016

8-Year-Old Boy with Terminal Illness Becomes Honorary US Marine

  
By Jenna Fratello

The Marine Corps welcomed its littlest new member on Saturday in a ceremony in San Clemente, California.

Eight-year-old Wyatt Gillette has Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome Type 1, a fatal disease that affects the brain and the immune system. Most patients with Aicardi-Goutieres don't live past childhood.

His father, Jeremiah Gillette, served in the Iraq eight years ago, and hoped that his service to his country would have an influence on his son, according to People

Upon hearing the Gillette family's story, fellow Marine Anthony North started a petition on Change.org to give Wyatt the title of becoming an honorary member of the corps.

"I truly feel that Wyatt has faced more hardship than any Marine has gone through, and for that should be given the title," North wrote in his petition. "I have seen more Marines come together because of him, and feel he has truly earned the right to be among the best fighting force in the world." 

Click here for the full article.

Source: NBC News/TODAY

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