Since 2017, Yuri Williams has crisscrossed all 50 U.S. states multiple times dressed as superheroes like Deadpool, Spider-Man, and the Mandalorian bringing joy to children, veterans, unhoused individuals, and people with disabilities. Recently, he visited young patients at Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital near his home in Southern California. Over the years, he estimates he’s reached more than 25-thousand people through his volunteer work.
Williams, 48, works as a probation officer by day and spends his personal time making costumed visits to those in need, distributing toys, food, clothes, and other necessities. He frequently buys these items with his own money or partners with groups like Toys for Tots. Sometimes he’ll team up with other superheroes like 75-year-old volunteer Ron, who dresses as Captain America to help bring extra smiles to those they visit.
Williams was inspired to begin his superhero work after losing his mother in 2009 following an eight-year battle with cancer. After facing years of depression, he founded the nonprofit “A Future Superhero and Friends” to honor his mom’s compassionate spirit. He says the experience has helped him heal and allows him to make a difference in the lives of others, just like his mother taught him.
Source: CNN
photo: GETTY
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