Eight-year-old Clifford Dahl went blind nearly two years ago, but he has taught two Bradley University student-athletes to see the importance of living life to the fullest.

In 2003, Dahl was diagnosed with Batten disease, a mostly juvenile affliction in which sufferers face mental impairment, debilitating seizures and progressive loss of sight and motor skills. They eventually become bedridden and unable to communicate. Batten disease is not contagious or preventable and is almost always fatal. There currently is no cure.

The school learned of Dahl through a former colleague of Bradley Athletics Director Ken Kavanaugh, who was inquiring whether the school had a program in place where student-athletes could be paired with children in the community who were battling illness.

"A major component of our Life Skills program is our commitment to community service," said Virnette House-Browning, senior associate athletics director at the school. "Our student-athletes are involved in many volunteer activities within the community; however, this was the first opportunity that our student-athletes had to mentor a child battling a serious disease."

Enter men's and women's basketball student-athletes Daniel Ruffin and Kayla Hackman. House-Browning selected them in part because she knew of Dahl's love of basketball. Ruffin, known on campus as a quiet leader, is a Peoria, Illinois, product and as a redshirt freshman, offered the possibility of a longer-term relationship.

"I also knew Kayla would sincerely enjoy the opportunity to meet Clifford and would be a positive influence in his life," said House-Browning, who described the senior as a respected role model for other student-athletes and active in other Life Skills efforts.

The task before the student-athletes --be a friend and mentor to a little boy who happened to have serious challenges in his life -- was both easy and hard. Because the school didn't want the student-athletes to feel like they were being forced to spend time with Dahl, there were no set guidelines on how much time to spend with the child. Both Ruffin and Hackman accepted the assignment not knowing exactly what to expect.

"I'll be honest, when they first mentioned that Clifford's disease was terminal, with no promises, I was scared. I was afraid that I wouldn't do a good enough job for such an influential role," said Hackman.

Ruffin, who imagined Dahl being physically challenged and unable to do much, admits he was nervous about the undertaking. But what the two student-athletes discovered was a smart, funny, outgoing kid living his life to the fullest.

"Clifford has got to be the most energetic boy I've ever worked with," said Hackman, who has spent some time working with handicapped children in the past. "He is always laughing and joking around and doing what any normal 8-year-old boy would do."

Due to school obligations and the time and travel demands of basketball, the amount of time Hackman and Ruffin actually spend with Dahl varies from month to month. The trio usually meets at Dahl's home, where the agenda may include anything from basketball with the mini hoop or baseball or, on some occasions, even a pillow fight.

Because Dahl is blind, Hackman and Ruffin have learned not to stray far and to continually talk so he knows where they are. Most of their time together is spent outside, but there are times when they'll stay inside and listen to a baseball computer game.

"One time we went over to his house and he showed us the starting lineup for his imaginary baseball team then sang the National Anthem," said Ruffin of his favorite memory with Dahl.

The relationship among Dahl, Ruffin and Hackman may seem lopsided, with Ruffin and Hackman doing most of the giving. But there is clearly as much giving as there is taking going on from both sides.

"The friendship that has developed among Clifford, Kayla and Daniel has been rewarding for all involved. When you ask Daniel and Kayla how Clifford is doing, they smile, their eyes light up and they start telling funny Clifford stories. They really enjoy spending time with him," said House-Browning.

Hackman admits the more she gets to know Dahl and his family, the harder it is for her to know what the future may hold for him.

"At this point, it's easy to meet with him because his symptoms are not noticeable yet," she said. "God has played a large role in my life with handling Clifford's situation. I truly believe Clifford's life is in His hands, and that's the best I can wish for."

Knowing the projected progression of Batten disease bothers Ruffin, too, but he works hard to stay in the present.

"Working with Clifford makes me realize how lucky I am. He and his family have taught me that no matter how big the problem is, don't let it hold you down," Ruffin said.

A social-work major, Ruffin plans to continue to stay involved with Dahl even beyond graduation. Hackman, a dietetics and religious studies major, also plans to remain in touch with Dahl and his family.

"Having the opportunity to be involved in Clifford's life has truly been a blessing for me," said Hackman. "I've always been the type of person who has never questioned tomorrow and has taken for granted many aspects of my life. Life isn't a guarantee, but you shouldn't ponder on it. Instead, live what life you have to the fullest every day."