Dressed in a black Batman costume, his fists clenched as he took on foe after foe around San Francisco, a five-year-old boy who has battled leukemia for years fulfilled his wish on Friday to be his favorite superhero.
In the process, Miles Scott became a darling of social media and attracted fans around the country, including the White House.
“When you have an illness, it’s very important to know you have a support system,” said Gina Futrell, a 51-year-old with multiple sclerosis, who was among a large crowd gathered at Union Square for a chance to so see the “Batkid” in action. “I have an extremely strong support system, and I hope he does too. He’s such a little hero.”
Photo: Reuters
Batkid was called into service by Police Chief Greg Suhr and spent the day zooming from one “crime scene” to the next.
Accompanied by an adult Batman impersonator, Batkid rescued a damsel in distress from cable car tracks, captured the Riddler as he robbed a bank, and saved the San Francisco Giants mascot — Lou Seal — from the Penguin’s clutches.
Miles was able to fulfill his wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the city and volunteers who stepped forward to help. He was diagnosed three years ago, underwent chemotherapy treatment and is now in remission.
Batkid had a police escort worthy of a dignitary as he sped around the city in a black Lamborghini with a Batman decal, with officers blocking traffic and riding alongside him on motorcycles.
The White House sent out a tweet encouraging Batkid to “Go get ’em!”
In a video recording, US President Barack Obama said: “Way to go, Miles! Way to save Gotham!”
The five-year-old at first seemed overwhelmed by the outpouring, quietly working through each scenario with clenched fists and tight lips amid delirious chants of “bat kid, bat kid.”
However, by the time he reached City Hall to receive a key to the city in front of the biggest crowd of the day, Miles was all smiles and bravado.
Though he did not address the crowd, he raised his fist twice and wore a grin as he was feted with chocolate, an FBI “raid jacket” and a San Francisco Police Department cap.
US Attorney Melinda Haag unveiled an “indictment” charging the Penguin and Riddler with conspiracy as the crowd that stretched for blocks roared with delight.
Miles’ father, Nick Scott, was asked what the boy liked best about Batman.
“The cape, I guess,” he said.
The father thanked the crowd, organizers and the city for showing his son a good time.
Miles, who lives in Tulelake in California, did not know what was in store for him and thought he was in San Francisco just to get a Batman costume so he could dress like his favorite superhero. He was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 18 months old and ended treatments in June.
Make-A-Wish has fulfilled similar wishes across the country.
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