When Yuri Williams puts on his Spider-Man costume, he doesn’t just look the part of a hero. He is one.
Videos by InspireMore
The Los Angeles youth corrections officer has spent the last few years dressing up as comic book characters to bring joy and comfort to those who need it most. And in doing so, he’s found peace.
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In 2009, Yuri lost his beloved mother, Lynda Hubbard, to cancer. He called it the worst year of his life, but his grief inspired him to help those suffering in his community – and honor his mom’s legacy.
“It took me five years to somewhat recover from losing the person who taught me everything,” Yuri wrote. “I came up with an idea to feed the elderly, children, veterans, and the homeless, and also visit ill children dressed as Spider-Man.”
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That’s how his nonprofit, A Future Superhero And Friends, was born. Dressed as Spider-Man or Deadpool, Yuri visits children battling cancer and other illnesses in hospitals across the country. He’s already been to all 50 states!
“I just tell them to fight as hard as you can. Don’t give up,” he told Hawaii News Now. “They’re dealing with so much pain and medication. They’re sad every day. I just want to come in and uplift them for the couple of moments that I’m there.”
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With COVID-19 making close contact dangerous, Yuri has switched to video calls for the time being. But these sweet interactions are just as special. To kids facing the hardest times of their lives, a visit from Spider-Man means the world, virtual or not.
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What’s more, Yuri delivers groceries to families in need as well as free food and clothing to homeless camps! Recently, he also started giving away free pizzas and gift cards to essential workers amid the pandemic.
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Spider-Man may be loved by many, but we all know who the true hero is. Thank you Yuri, for taking the time to brighten so many people’s days.
Learn more about Yuri’s work in the video below, and share to celebrate this wonderful man!
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