Miles Scott.Photo:Courtesy of Make-A-Wish Foundation
Courtesy of Make-A-Wish Foundation
Miles Scottwas 5 years old when he suited up tofulfill his wish to become “Batkid.“Ten years later, the experience still means a lot to him.
As he reflected on the memorable day, the California high school student — now a healthy 15-year-old who has remained cancer-free — said his friends and teammates still call him"Batkid,” according to the organization.
The foundation, which is known for granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, said it worked with San Francisco’s late mayor Ed Lee, the local police departments and even the San Francisco Giants to transform the city for the day.
Thousands of people crowded the streets to cheer Miles on as he battled villains, thwarted crime, freed San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal, and earned a key to the city.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, left, gave Miles Scott a key to the city on Nov, 15, 2013.Courtesy of Make-A-Wish Foundation
Former PresidentBarack Obamaeven offered his own words of encouragement, whileThe San Francisco Chronicleproduced a special edition of the newspaper that day.
“I feel like it brought hope to more than just a couple people,” the teen said in a statement. “They came out and they were happy. They were away from their jobs. It wasn’t just about me on that day, I don’t think. It was about them getting all together and just having fun.”
Natalie Scott, Miles’ mom, who is now a volunteer with Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area, described the feeling that day as “palpable.”
“You could just feel the positiveness and how the community came together,” she added. “The city — a huge city — people flew in from everywhere and it just gave everyone some sense of peace almost.”
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A lot has changed since then, and these days, the teen has traded in his Batmobile for a tractor to help out on the family farm, according to the organization.
However, although he no longer fits in the “Batkid” costume, his younger brother Ben, who wasn’t even born when his wish came true, wore it lastHalloween.
Miles Scott.Courtesy of Make-A-Wish Foundation
The teen, who has been in remission since 2013, also continues to go to checkups with an oncologist once a year. “Everything’s been on the straight and narrow, so, we hope to keep it that way,” said dad Nick Scott.
Miles is now looking toward his future. “He’s dead set on going to Alaska and being a ‘pack mule’ for his cousin’s husband’s guide business,” his mom said. “And he has a lot of interest in welding. So we’ll see!”
Recalling his 10-year journey, the teen said he feels “normal,” but when he remembers his wish experience, he’s a little stunned and says to himself, “‘Wow, that actually happened.’”
source: people.com
