7-year-old fighting rare disease dies day after honorary Marine ceremony

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.

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.

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