Joseph Dillman, right, was battling brain cancer for the second time when this picture was taken in January, and he received more than 100 pounds of mail and gifts for his 10th birthday. Above, family friend Brian Bruce helped Dillman open gifts during Joseph Dillman Day at Claxton Elementary School on Saturday, January 24, 2015. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
Note: This story was updated at 4:27 p.m. July 20.
Joseph Dillman, a Clinton boy who inspired the community with his battle against brain cancer, died Saturday. He was 10.
Joseph had earned the love and admiration of many people from across the country. It was his second battle against brain cancer.
Joseph had been made an honorary firefighter and honorary Clinton police officer. For his 10th birthday in January, he received more than 100 pounds of birthday mail and gifts from well-wishers across the country, including Peyton Manning and Johnny Majors.
“Joseph Dillman was such a fun-loving kid and put up a hard fight to beat cancer,” family friend Tiffany Taylor said on a GoFundMe page set up to help the family with funeral expenses. “Unfortunately, little Joseph’s fight ended yesterday morning with his family by his side.”
There was a candlelight prayer service for Joseph on July 11 in Clinton. Joseph was unable to attend, so supporters brought the event to him. Members of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department—along with local law enforcement, fire departments, and Emergency Medical Services—drove by Joseph’s house with lights flashing and sirens blaring. [Read more…]
