鈥楤atkid鈥 comes to the rescue in San Francisco
Print Edition
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 thousands of fans, 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 at Union Square for a chance to see the “Batkid” in action. “He’s such a little hero.”
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 a tweet encouraging Batkid to “Go get ’em!” In a video recording, President Barack Obama said, “Way to go, Miles! Way to save Gotham!”
The crowds grew after each stop, reaching the thousands by the time Miles got to Union Square for lunch at the Burger Bar atop Macy’s department store. Spectators climbed trees and clambered up lampposts, and police and organizers struggled to keep a path open for the motorcade, which drove past onlookers lining streets six deep for blocks.
Miles at first seemed overwhelmed by the outpouring, quietly working through each scenario with clenched fists and tight lips amid delirious chants of “batkid, batkid.”
But 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.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee proclaimed November 15 to be “Batkid Day Forever.”
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 thanked the crowd, organizers and the city for showing his son a good time.
“This is closure for us,” Nick Scott said. “It has been a hard three years.”
Miles, who lives in Tulelake in California, was diagnosed with leukemia when 18 months and ended treatment in June.
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