Real-life ‘super hero’ travels to all 50 states to deliver holiday gifts
Santa Claus isn’t the only one bringing holiday magic to this holiday season.
The duo behind A Future Super Hero and Friends made sure that underserved children, older adults, veterans, and even animals got some Christmas and holiday cheer this December. I am doing
This is the fourth time Yuri Williams and his partner Rodney Smith Jr. have traveled across 50 states in 20 days to connect and help people. This year, Williams went on a journey disguised as a scout his trooper elf, while Smith was the elf’s helper.
Courtesy of Yuri Williams and Rodney Smith Jr.
“It all started here [when] I lost my mother in 2009 to an eight year battle with cancer. I fell into her 5-year period of depression and spent time with veterans, children with special needs, children with disabilities, people battling illness, and hospice to serve her community. decided to form an organization. , senior citizens, and even animals,” Williams told Good Morning America.
Like in 2017, 2018 and last year, the duo began their trek in Kentucky, driving through the 48 continental states with Smith driving. First through the western states, then working on the eastern states, then flying to Alaska. Along the way, they visited homes, visited animal shelters, stocked up on toys, took pictures with signs in each state, but most importantly, spent time with the people and animals who needed it most. It’s what I’ve been through
Courtesy of Yuri Williams and Rodney Smith Jr.
Smith said their mission is to make a difference, and that’s what keeps them going, even though they get little sleep in the process.
Last Monday, they completed their final visit of 2022 in Aloha State, meeting their two children, including 6-year-old Jaysden, at the Marriott Hotel in Waikiki.
Jaysden was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a cancer of the brain tumor, in April and is undergoing proton therapy. According to his mother Xena Kaeo, he is also undergoing chemotherapy.
Though shy, his mom said she was surprised and excited that her son would be bombarded with gifts from Williams and Smith, including some of his favorite Pokemon cards.
Courtesy of Yuri Williams and Rodney Smith Jr.
“It made his Christmas brighter,” Keo told GMA.
“He was shocked at first because I could say to his face, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of toys.’ Minutes later he started playing, so warm up and talk to us and share how happy he was,” Williams added.
Courtesy of Yuri Williams and Rodney Smith Jr.
Kaeo said he was so touched by the generosity of A Future Super Hero and Friends and the Secret Santa Project of Hawaii that helped coordinate the meeting that he cried when Jaysden was surprised by his gift. Told. “I was so overwhelmed with joy,” she said, thanking both organizations for making her only child’s Christmas memorable.
Williams has since returned home to California but is already looking forward to 2023.
“I’m not going to get paid to do this. It’s just healing for me who lost my mother and I’m just keeping her name alive by doing this,” he said. .
“My 14-year-old daughter…every year she asks me if I can go for at least 20 days. , do your best.” Go help others,” Williams said. “She’s a big supporter of me too.”