Sometimes, real heroes do wear capes.
When the Hernandez family of Dallas, Texas learned that their 3-year-old son Leone had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, they knew they’d fight this battle together. Sadly, the little boy quickly became terrified of the required trips to the hospital for his chemotherapy treatments, so they came up with a genius way to channel the power he needed to soldier on.
Superheroes to the rescue! Who’s more courageous than your friendly neighborhood superhero?
Natalia and Dario Hernandez first purchased superhero costumes for Leone, but then they took their power move a step further. They went out and bought costumes for the whole family, including Batman, The Incredibles, Captain America, Spiderman, and Superman!
Now, the whole family shows up wearing costumes for every chemo and doctor appointment. The result? No more fear from their little hero!
“We believe we have the superpowers that we need to face this battle,” Natalia said. “We have to make sure Leo feels that. We do it to make sure he feels the power.”
The costumes worked like a charm. Little Leo feels braver in his costume, especially with his mom, dad, and sometimes even his older brother joining him for appointments. “It’s difficult to watch him battle,” said Natalia, “but he has shown us everything is possible in life.”
Leone’s doctor at Children’s Medical Center says there’s no doubt that this sort of family support helps people heal faster than going it alone.
“Their family has taken this with, we’re family, we’re taking this, and we’re all going to do it together,” said Dr. Laura Klesse said.
This seems like the perfect way to show solidarity and channel your inner superpower for this brave little guy! We are sending our biggest hugs to Leo and his family as these heroes continue to duke it out with cancer.
Share this story to send your best superhero vibes to Leo in Dallas!
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