Community Mourns Loss of Pleasanton Little Leaguer Who Lost Battle With Rare Cancer

PLEASANTON, CA — A year after returning home from a six-month stay in Children’s Hospital Oakland, a 12-year-old Pleasanton Little Leaguer diagnosed with a rare cancer has died.

Dillon Patrick O'Leary was carried off of the baseball field by his father when he suddenly collapsed in May of 2015. Dillon was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was airlifted to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and placed in intensive care. Tests finally confirmed Dillon suffered from Ependymoma tumors throughout his back and brain.

The Pleasanton community rallied for the Sunol Glen Elementary School student and his family through multiple fundraising events. Last year, police officers, firefighters, family and friends from school cheered for him as he arrived home from the hospital just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family.

Upon announcing his death on the Dillon Strong Community Facebook page, his family once again thanked the community for their support. Supporters shared their memories and condolences through comments on the page. Funeral services for Dillon have not yet been announced.

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• Community Rallies for Pleasanton Little Leaguer Fighting for His Life After Collapsing on Baseball Field
• Fundraiser for Little Leaguer Recovering After Collapsing on Baseball Field
• Pleasanton Little Leaguer Battling Rare Cancer Home for Holidays

Photo courtesy Bree Gomes