Superhero Program Uplifts Kids at Children’s Hospitals

June 10, 2025 by By Cathy Stack

UNITED STATES—As a child, Yuri Williams watched his mother’s commitment to community service in the Los Angeles neighborhood where they lived. When she died in 2009, he wanted to continue her legacy of kindness in his own unique way and began hosting toy drives to bring cheer to patients at the local children’s hospital. To the kids’ delight, he dressed up as popular superheroes like Spiderman and Superman when he distributed the toys. Since then, Yuri and his team of volunteer superheroes have embarked on four whirlwind cross-country tours, visiting children’s hospitals and spreading joy.

As a young boy, Yuri loved comic books and the larger-than-life superheroes in them. His heroes were Spiderman and Superman, and he suspected that these characters still resonated with kids today. When he had free time away from his job as a corrections officer, he would dress up as one of these beloved characters to deliver toys and cheer to children battling illnesses.

Hospital staff welcomed the fun distraction Yuri provided to their young patients during what were sometimes long, lonely and tedious hospital stays.

His visits became so popular that other community leaders asked him to make appearances at their events. As demand grew, he decided to continue his mission by forming a non-profit, which he names A Future Superhero and Friends.

“We believe that every child deserves a chance to experience the magic of childhood, no matter their circumstances,” Yuri shared.

Founded in 2017, the organization hosts toy and blood drives as well as special movie events for kids battling life-threatening diseases. The program also offers supportive services to underprivileged and vulnerable people, including elderly and unhoused individuals and families. Yuri said that even adults warmly smile when they see him enter their room dressed in a superhero costume because it offers a lighthearted moment of nostalgia.

Yuri hopes his programs inspire hope, courage and resilience in the hearts of young patients.

“You shouldn’t be just worried about yourself all the time, you should be worried about your neighbors, your family” he said.

Yuri asks his 14-year-old daughter for permission before he travels on one of his program’s 50-state hospital tours. He said she always says yes, because she sees firsthand all the good the program does for other kids.

Yuri spends his own salary to fund his program in addition to receiving the occasional grant. He also accepts donations on the A Future Superhero and Friends website.

Good Morning America recently surprised Yuri with an invitation to the premiere of “Black Adam” from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Yuri attended with the guests he personally invited: children with special needs, homeless veterans and his team of volunteers.

The Foundation for a Better Life and PassItOn believes that Yuri Williams is a hero. His action is a great example of the value of kindness. He exhibits the true spirit of a superhero. His program, A Future Superhero Friends has been a bright light to hundreds of families throughout the years. Help us celebrate Yuri and his volunteers by sharing his heartwarming story.