In case you’ve been absent from social media today (doubtful), we think you should know there’s a hero on the loose. And he’s fighting more than just Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The Batkid hero, a 5-year old child named Miles, is making his way through San Francisco fighting off villains like The Riddler and The Penguin as thousands of San Francisco volunteers enthusiastically cheer him on.

The five-year-old, who wanted nothing more than to be Batman, is the recipient of a particularly awesome Make-a-Wish Foundation effort. When Patricia Wilson, executive director of the organization, found out the cancer patient’s heroic wish, she thought “we can do that” and began “putting the call out to volunteers to help turn San Francisco into Gotham City for a day,” according to SF Gate.

Well, San Francisco, we salute you. In a move that can only be described as truly heartwarming, over 12,000 volunteers and onlookers flocked to the Bay to help transform the city into one deserving kid’s ultimate playground.

Miles, sporting full Batman regalia and accompanied by his very own Batmobile (of course) and Batman (an actor), set off on an adventure through “Gotham.” He fought villainous characters, “foiled elaborately staged, nefarious plots,” and even “captured evildoers throughout San Francisco,” according to Mercury News.

And yes, of course, there was a damsel in distress:

 

Even the San Francisco Chronicle got into the Gotham Batkid spirit with their release of a special edition newspaper (above), renamed Gotham City Chronicle. With the headline “Batkid Saves City” spread across the front page, according to Gawker.

The news has gone viral on social media and beyond, with even President Obama tweeting his support for Batkid.

Fortunately, the real Batkid – Miles – is now in remission. So this wish come true is cause for celebration not only for his family but for onlookers as well. His mother stated in a foundation news release that “this wish has meant closure for our family.” As well as a happy ending – and beginning – we hope for a true (but tiny) hero.

Follow the Live Blog as Bat Kid not only captures Gotham villains but also America’s hearts.

Image via Mercury News

You can read more stories on Boston startups, technology and innovation at https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/inno