In civilian life, 5-year-old Kaheem races around his house and loves to play with superheroes but when he puts on a cape, he becomes one.
Last December, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic helped make Kaheem's wish to become a superhero come true.
After drinking an elixir, super Kaheem took flight. Throughout the day he joined some of Washington D.C.’s first responders to save Santa from a Ferris Wheel, rescue the racing mascots, and help keep the Grinch at bay.
“I didn't know it was so huge, it was a wonderful experience. I had a great time, it was one of the best days of my life,” said Dionne Dixon, Kaheem’s mom.
It was a bright day that overshadows a not so good one when last April, a day after his fifth birthday, Kaheem was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.
“He'll do a biopsy every two months but he takes pills, chemo pills every day,” said Dixon.
Superheroes help distract Kaheem during his multiple doctor visits.
“For him, he says he's not sick. He doesn't know the depth of his sickness, but for me it's really hard at times because I know the sickness but he's not aware of it too much. He doesn't understand it too much,” Dixon said.
And the diagnosis has done little to affect Kaheem's powerful personality.
“He's very energetic, as you can see, and his sickness doesn't get to him, he's always happy,” said Dixon.
For anyone who meets Kaheem, it's clear that the 5-year -old boy with a big heart and bigger smile has no kryptonite.
Like Kaheem, you can become a superhero for local children by participating in the 2017 Walk for Wishes. The event takes place on Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.
The money raised will help grant wishes of local kids battling life-threatening medical conditions.
For more information or to register, click here.
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