On March 11, 1997, 3-year-old Aaron “Cody” Stepp was playing in his grandmother’s Columbus, Ohio backyard when he vanished.

Cody's mom, Robin Stepp, was incarcerated at the time of his disappearance. She was reportedly set to be released from prison the day after he was reported missing. Stepp is pleading for help, 25 years later, just as she has many times before. Stepp, who has said she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, is hopeful that someone will finally come forward with answers.

“I just want somebody to come forward. I mean, whether you’re family, friends, stranger, somebody knows something. I just want them to come forward and please let me know, let us know something," Stepp told 10TV. She hopes the answers will come before it's too late.

10TV said at the time of Cody's disappearance, reporters went to the neighborhood and spoke to those in the community. Several neighbors reportedly said they hadn't seen the toddler in "months." Stepp questions the timing of the missing child report coming out only the night before she was released. At the time Cody went missing, he was in the care of Stepp's mother and sister.

“It was heartbreaking. I missed him so much, love him. He was my world," Stepp told the local station.

When Aaron went missing, he stood 3 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 39 pounds. Aaron was born on September 24, 1993. He's a white male with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a red jacket, blue sweatpants and black and white high-top sneakers. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said he enjoyed things most toddlers enjoy, like Big Bird and firetrucks.

The age progression photo shows what Cody may look like in 2022. If you have any information, please contact The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children directly: 833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE)

Read more:

Have you seen this child? Aaron "Cody" Stepp

Aaron Cody Stepp – The Charley Project

Mother pleads for answers in her son's disappearance as dying wish

Can You Help Bring Cody Stepp Home?