"‘Batkid’ gets the awesome day he deserves" by Paul Elias and Sudhin Thanawala | Associated Press, November 16, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO — Dressed in a black Batman costume, his fists clenched as he took on foe after foe around San Francisco, a 5-year-old boy who has battled leukemia for years fulfilled his wish Friday to be his favorite superhero. In the process, Miles Scott became a darling of social media and attracted thousands of fans around the country.
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.
Miles, who is in remission, was able to fulfill his wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the city, and volunteers. He was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 18 months old and ended treatments in June.
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. In a video recording, President Obama said, ‘‘Way to go, Miles! Way to save Gotham!’’
The crowds grew after each stop, reaching into the thousands by the time Miles got to Union Square for lunch at the Burger Bar atop Macy’s. 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 the streets six deep for several blocks.
The 5-year-old quietly worked through each scenario with clenched fists and tight lips amid delirious chants of ‘‘Batkid! Batkid!’’
Miles, who lives in Tulelake in far Northern California, didn’t know what was in store for him and thought he was in San Francisco just to get a Batman costume.
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I have bad memories when it comes to Batman.
Related: Boston Bat Girl
Also see: Mayor Thomas Menino raises cane, with pride
