n this Illinois town that embraces Superman, one little boy from Denver is getting super-special treatment thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Benjamin Murillo, 8, is off to the world famous Superman Celebration where thousands of caped fans gather to pay tribute to the American icon.
Murillo, who has suffered with severe heart problems and a form of epilepsy, paid a visit to the 9NEWS studios before flying off on his adventure.
“He just bounces back really quickly, nothing fazes him,” Nancy Murillo said about her son. “He’s just so strong. To me that is strength…that you’re so happy despite what you’re going through.”
On Wednesday, when Benjamin and his mother landed at the airport, they had a surprise greeting by Superman and representatives from Metropolis, Illinois.
This week Benjamin will lead the Superman parade, participate in a costume contest, and will be made an “Honorary Citizen” of Metropolis.
Benjamin’s mother said her son has always embraced the Superman character as a symbol of strength.
His epilepsy was so bad, at 5 months old doctors had to remove a piece of Benjamin’s brain to ease the number of seizures. At one point, Benjamin suffered with 45 seizures a day.
