In the spring of 2013, I had the chance to spend time with Dillon Papier, who was 10, and his parents, Mark and Darrile. I first visited them in their Urbana home, and then again a few weeks later as Mark coached Urbana's JV baseball team in a game against Walkersville.

As a toddler, Dillon was diagnosed with Type C Niemann-Pick Disease, a rare and often-fatal genetic disorder that prevents patients from properly metabolizing cholesterol and other lipids.

In spite of his frequent hospital visits and clinical trials, and even brain surgery, Dillon was one of the most animated and enthusiastic children I've ever met.

Dillon passed away at age 14, April 6, 2017.