Adam Rattman

ADAM RATTMAN, age 19, of Joppa, MD, died on March 6, 2008 at his home. Born in Baltimore, MD, he is survived by his loving parents, William Anthony and Faith Susan Dickerson Rattman of Joppa, MD. Adam attended Youth Benefit Elementary School and Fallston Middle School. Adam truly lived a full life. He loved cowboys, the circus, knights, clowns, Barney, the Power Rangers, and all of the holidays. He especially enjoyed the Nutcracker Ballet. Not only did he love the music, he owned an awesome collection of nutcrackers. He enjoyed being in the water, whether it was the ocean, or a pool, or the bathtub. He traveled extensively, and on his many trips to Disney World, Adam treasured meeting all of the Disney characters. Adam and his family traveled out West to Wyoming for a real rodeo experience, enjoyed visits to Ocean City, and spent precious hours with the clowns of Barnum and Bailey, thanks to the Believe in Tomorrow Foundation, formerly known as Grant a Wish. He loved baseball and Cal Ripken and was privileged to meet Cal Ripken in person and receive a signed baseball, an Orioles uniform, and attend a game in Cal Ripken's seats when he was 6 years old. Adam lived with Hunter's Syndrome, one of the MPS disorders. He attended annual MPS conferences across the country, making friends wherever he went with his contagious smile. Adam loved so many people, and everyone who ever met him, loved him.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister, Lauren Gahm of Edgewood, MD; grandparents, Elizabeth and George Dickerson Sr. of Abingdon, MD, Marta and Don Schaffer of Baltimore, MD; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family wishes to acknowledge and express their gratitude to the National MPS Society, The ARC NCR Family Support Services, Community Hospice of Maryland, and Harford County Public Schools.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, 4513 Philadelphia Road, Aberdeen, MD 21001 or the National MPS Society, 4220 NC Hwy 55, Ste 140, Durham, NC 27713.