My Journey: From Badge to Cape
The story of how a police officer's hidden Superman logo became a mission to bring hope to thousands of children
The Beginning1999 - 2005
For 21 years, I proudly served as a police officer, starting my journey in 1999. It was an honor to protect and serve my community, but I always felt there was something more I was meant to do.
As a lifelong superhero fan, I carried that passion with me every day. Little did I know that this love for heroes would eventually become the foundation for something much bigger than I ever imagined.
21 Years of Service
Dedicated to protecting and serving, always looking for ways to make a positive impact in the community.
The Discovery2005
In 2005, I started noticing something that broke my heart - some kids would be scared whenever they saw a police officer. As someone who became a police officer to help and protect people, especially children, this really bothered me.
Being a big superhero fan myself, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. So, I took the Superman logo and put it on my bullet-proof vest. Whenever I interacted with kids, I would unzip my uniform shirt and show them the Superman logo.
It was amazing to see their faces light up with awe and curiosity. They would often ask me where my cape was, and I would playfully tell them that I couldn't wear it with my uniform because it would get wrinkled.
The First Spark
A simple Superman logo hidden under a police vest became the first step toward changing thousands of lives.
Building Community Connections
In 2014, while working at the Dallas Police Department, I joined a group of officers who dressed up as superheroes for community events. It was another way for us to connect with the community we serve, building trust and bringing joy to families.
Finding My CallingEarly 2015
Everything changed when I learned about a 7-year-old boy named Bryce Schottel who was fighting lymphatic cancer.
Meeting Bryce
Bryce loved Superman, so I reached out to his family and got their blessing to visit him as Superman and Iron Man. I took three vacation days from work and drove 11 hours to Smithton, Illinois, where Bryce lived.
I spent around 4 hours with him and his family, making his day a little brighter. It was during this visit that I witnessed the harsh reality of childhood cancer. It made me think about my own daughter and what I would do if my family were in Bryce's shoes.
After spending time with Bryce and his family, I found my calling in life. I decided to use my blessings and pay it forward to help sick children and their families.
The Story Goes Viral
The Dallas Morning News heard about what I did and published a story about it, which went viral. Families from across the United States started reaching out to me, asking me to visit their sick children as a superhero.
Since then, I have been to 25 states and seen thousands of sick children. I would save my sick time and work overtime to build up comp hours, so I could take time off to visit these brave kids.
HERO MatthewThe Boy Who Changed Everything
People often ask me how I'm able to do what I do - how can I go see sick or dying children? Let me tell you about my BFF's HERO Matthew Guinyard and how he changed my life forever.
The Call That Changed Everything
It all started on a regular day at work when I received a phone call from a nurse at a hospital in Gainesville, Florida. She told me about HERO Matthew, a brave 7-year-old boy battling terminal cancer. His dream was to meet Spider-Man, and I knew I had to make it happen.
I reached out to HERO Matthew's incredible mother, Abebi, who gave me her blessing to come and see her son. I immediately called my Sergeant and explained the situation, asking for a day off to fly to Gainesville. To my surprise, he approved it, and I booked a flight for the very next day.
Best Friends Forever
As I walked into HERO Matthew's room dressed as Spider-Man, his face lit up with pure joy. Despite his condition, he couldn't contain his excitement.
I kneeled beside his bed, held his hand, and he asked me if we could be friends. I replied, "No, we are going to be best friends forever."
Behind my mask, tears of happiness streamed down my face. For an hour, I sat with HERO Matthew, chatting, and laughing, making memories that would last a lifetime.
The Last Conversation
The following day, I received a text message from Abebi, asking if I could call and talk to HERO Matthew. I immediately pulled over and dialed his number. Hearing his voice filled me with joy, and he told me how much he missed and loved me.
I reciprocated those feelings, promising to visit him again soon. Little did I know it would be our last conversation.
Abebi called me back an hour later, delivering the heartbreaking news that HERO Matthew had passed away. She shared that seeing him happy during our visit was a gift she would forever cherish. In that moment, I couldn't hold back my emotions. I parked my police car and cried my eyes out.
How Matthew Changed My Life
HERO Matthew taught me that even in the face of the unthinkable, there is still room for joy, love, and hope. He showed me that being a superhero isn't about having superpowers - it's about showing up, caring, and making someone feel less alone. Every child I visit now carries a piece of Matthew's spirit with them.
The Mission Today2015 - Present
What started with a hidden Superman logo has become a mission that spans 41 states and touches thousands of lives.
41
States Visited
10,000+
Children Visited
100%
Always Free
8+
Years of Service
The Reality of the Mission
The police department never supported what I did as a superhero for sick children, but that didn't stop me. If I received an urgent request to see a dying child, I would do everything I could to make it happen. Sometimes I would drive, and other times I would fly.
Sadly, there were instances where I would visit a child and within hours of leaving, I would receive word of their passing. These children are the real heroes, and it breaks my heart every time.
I have attended over twenty children's funerals as a superhero at the parents' request. It's something I don't keep track of because it's not a number I want to remember.
Why I Continue
Everything I do—whether it's visiting hospitals, homes, schools, or community events—is completely free. Why? Because I've been blessed with a healthy daughter, and this is my way of giving thanks and paying it forward.
"Heroes come in all forms. Sometimes they wear capes. Sometimes they wear hospital gowns. But every single one of us has the power to make a difference."