Posted by Make-A-Wish Australia on Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Nine-year-old Domenic Pace loves Iron Man. No, he really loves Iron Man. Like, there was a point during which his mother claims that he would only answer to the name “Tony.” Domenic also has cystic fibrosis, and so his family approached the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Australia with his wish to be Iron Man for a day. They granted it, and with his 12-year-old brother, Joseph by his side as War Machine, Domenic suited up, becoming Iron Boy.
This video captures the awesome experience – from a helicopter ride to the New South Wales police station, to rescuing a reporter, to stopping Ultron at the Sydney Opera House, to being awarded a Medal of Valor for his bravery and heroism.
Iron Boy saves SydneyThe wish of a seriously-ill nine-year-old boy has come true – he’s been declared a superhero for a day, carrying out a vital rescue mission and saving the city of Sydney from dangerous villains.New South Wales Police and the children’s charity, Make-A-Wish Australia, today joined forces, with the blessing of the Walt Disney Company Australia, to fulfil the dreams of “Domenic”, a schoolboy from Bringelly in Sydney’s south-west, who suffers from the life-threatening illness, Cystic Fibrosis.Around 9am this morning, Domenic received an urgent call for assistance from senior police and was flown by police helicopter from a suburban Sydney park to a busy Operations Centre at Police Headquarters, Parramatta.It was there he transformed into the superhero, “Iron Boy,” and was tasked with rescuing “Make-A-Wish” reporter, Hope Joy, from the clutches of villainous henchmen at a secret hideout.Police used Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats or RHIBs to ferry the nine-year-old and his family at speed to Clark Island on Sydney Harbour to carry out the rescue.Iron Boy was then called upon to battle his arch nemesis, “Ultron,” on the steps of the Sydney Opera House before handing him over to police.Domenic’s 12-year-old brother, Joseph, played the role of Iron Boy’s Marvel Comics sidekick, “War –Machine,” aka “Colonel Rhodes.”New South Wales Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, commended Domenic’s courage during a special medal presentation.“On behalf of a grateful Police Force and indeed the people of Sydney, I would like to thank Domenic for his tremendous efforts today,” Commissioner Scipione said.“It can’t be easy dealing with an illness like his and we feel privileged to be able to work with Make-A-Wish Australia to ensure his wish to be a famous superhero came true,” he added.“It also allows the Police Force to express its community-mindedness and sensitive side; and I hope we have made Domenic’s day.“It was also my great honour to present Domenic, or should I say “Iron Boy,” with a special acknowledgement, a Commissioner’s Award for Gallantry.“Not only has Domenic battled villains and saved his city, he’s stared down his illness and won the day.”
Posted by NSW Police Force on Thursday, February 11, 2016
But even better than a Medal of Valor? Getting to be an Avenger! Iron Man himself, Tony Stark (known to you and me as Robert Downey Jr.), sent an adorable message to Domenic making him an honorary Avenger:
A special message from Tony StarkWe didn’t think today could get any better for our newest Super Hero #IronBoyAU, But then he received this amazing message:
Posted by Make-A-Wish Australia on Wednesday, February 10, 2016
It’s pretty amazing when adults can put aside their grown-up troubles and concerns to join together and help bring awesomeness into the life of a kid who needs it. When someone as sought-after as Robert Downey Jr. takes the time out to try and make a kid feel better (which he has a history of doing).
Thanks for saving Sydney, Iron Boy! We’re lucky to have heroes like you keeping us safe!
(via Comics Alliance, featured image via Facebook)
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