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Dillon HillAmerican college dropout to help friend fulfill dying wish
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Dylan Hill: Friend and Caregiver to a Friend with Cancer
- Fulfilling Chris's Last Wishes
- Chris's Cancer Journey and the Gamification of His Life
- Dylan's Support System and Personal Struggles
- Creating Gamers Gift and a Legacy
- Betancourt's Final Days and Ongoing Impact
Dylan Hill: Friend and Caregiver to a Friend with Cancer
Dylan Hill, a college dropout, dedicated his life to fulfilling the dying wishes of his best friend, Chris Betancourt, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Betancourt, upon receiving the diagnosis, shared his fears with Hill, expressing his desire to experience all that life had to offer before his time was up.
Fulfilling Chris's Last Wishes
In response, Hill dropped out of college and, together with Betancourt, compiled a list of 74 last wishes. These wishes ranged from eating the world's hottest pepper to training with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to finding love. Hill and Betancourt embarked on an adventure, filming their experiences as they worked to fulfill Betancourt's desires.
Chris's Cancer Journey and the Gamification of His Life
Betancourt's journey with cancer began in fifth grade when he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Despite undergoing experimental treatments and achieving remission, his cancer returned with a vengeance in 2017. Undeterred, Betancourt and Hill decided to approach the situation with a sense of fun and humor, turning Betancourt's cancer journey into a "video game" with challenges to complete.
Dylan's Support System and Personal Struggles
Hill's decision to help his friend was motivated by their shared childhood experiences. Growing up in California, they bonded over their love of video games. Hill also faced personal challenges, including the suicide of Betancourt's sister and his own concerns about the future.
Creating Gamers Gift and a Legacy
Hill's support for Betancourt extended beyond fulfilling his last wishes. He established Gamers Gift, a nonprofit organization that provides video games to hospitalized children, inspired by Betancourt's own experience with the therapeutic power of gaming. Gamers Gift has raised over $50,000 to date.
Betancourt's Final Days and Ongoing Impact
Betancourt passed away in 2019, surrounded by friends and family. His spirit and the experiences he shared with Hill continue to inspire countless others. Gamers Gift remains a testament to the transformative power of friendship and the importance of fulfilling dreams even in the face of adversity.
