When Sydney is in trouble, only Iron Boy can save the day.
On Thursday, the New South Wales Police and Make-A-Wish Foundation teamed up to help Dom, a 9-year-old boy battling cystic fibrosis, live out his dream of being a superhero.
The eventful day began at 9 a.m. AEDT, according to a police statement, when Dom and his family flew by helicopter to the police headquarters in Parramatta for an urgent briefing.
Meet #IronBoyAU! This amazing 9 year old is battling cystic fibrosis, stay tuned to watch his wish unfold today pic.twitter.com/Hnffniqdzd— Make-A-WishAustralia (@MakeAWishAust) February 10, 2016
NSW Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, made a plea for help: Make-A-Wish reporter Hope Joy had been kidnapped by the super villain Ultron, who, along with his henchman, had overrun Clark Island in Sydney Harbour.
Of course, Dom knew what to do. He had to suit up and become Iron Boy. His brother Joseph was also ready to help, coming along as his trusty sidekick, Colonel Rhodes.
The transformation to #IronBoyAU begins. pic.twitter.com/IcsOSa8Vo3— NSW Police (@nswpolice) February 11, 2016
Go #IronBoyAU! pic.twitter.com/UyID5x8H4U— Make-A-WishAustralia (@MakeAWishAust) February 11, 2016
Iron Boy headed off to save Joy and the city, the hopes of a nation riding with him.
#IronBoyAU heads off in police convoy- the Assistant Commisioner says they are really going to need his help today. pic.twitter.com/SFnjsUC3ZR— Lizzie Pearl (@lizziepearl) February 11, 2016
Politicians echoed Scipione's call for assistance, including NSW Premier Mike Baird and Sydney mayor, Clover Moore.
Ultron must be defeated. Iron Boy - you’ve got this. The city is counting on you. #IronBoyAU— Mike Baird (@mikebairdMP) February 11, 2016
Hopes of the city riding with #IronBoyAU today, go well.— Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) February 10, 2016
Even Robert Downey Jr., who plays the character of Iron Man in the blockbuster films, tweeted his support to Dom and his mission.
Jack Dorsey, the Twitter CEO, also had some words of encouragement, as did actor Liam Hemsworth.
Sent a very special boy on a top secret mission today. Go get ‘em, Domenic! #IronBoyAU @MakeAWishAust— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) February 11, 2016
Go Domenic! #IronBoyAU https://t.co/xr6db6wRD4— Jack (@jack) February 11, 2016
Go, Dom! #IronBoyAU pic.twitter.com/Z7XifiPF7U— Liam Hemsworth (@LiamHemsworth) February 11, 2016
Luckily, Iron Boy was able to locate Joy on Clark Island and easily defeated Ultron's henchman to rescue her.
Wow! #IronBoyAU defeated the henchmen! @nswpolice pic.twitter.com/mzqnxScm4A— Make-A-WishAustralia (@MakeAWishAust) February 11, 2016
All in a day's work for this Super Hero! Thank you #IronBoyAU you saved Hope Joy! @nswpolice pic.twitter.com/gE0EeiZhT2— Make-A-WishAustralia (@MakeAWishAust) February 11, 2016
But the journey wasn't over. Crowds gathered at the Sydney Opera House Thursday afternoon to watch Iron Boy defeat Ultron, who was waiting there for the final battle.
I see you Ultron. #IronBoyAU pic.twitter.com/5i6iSOJBgN— Johnny Lieu (@Johnny_Lieu) February 11, 2016
#IronBoyAU fans are gathering at @SydOperaHouse hoping for a glimpse of our hero...GO IRON BOY! pic.twitter.com/SAjulMabqK— Make-A-WishAustralia (@MakeAWishAust) February 11, 2016
Iron Boy arrived with his entourage, ready to save Sydney.
He's here! #IronBoyAU https://t.co/ko3IdQrzvy— Johnny Lieu (@Johnny_Lieu) February 11, 2016
And then the fight was on. Fortunately, Ultron had no hope against Iron Boy's superior strength and power.
Ultron is done for #IronBoyAU! https://t.co/rOZ35a7taN— Johnny Lieu (@Johnny_Lieu) February 11, 2016
After Ultron was decisively defeated, Commissioner Scipione congratulated Iron Boy on a job well done and awarded him a medal of valour.
"On behalf of a grateful Police Force and indeed the people of Sydney, I would like to thank Dominic for his tremendous efforts today," he said in a statement. "Not only has Domenic battled villains and saved his city, he's stared down his illness and won the day."
"Ultron has been very naughty" - @nswpolice Commissioner Scipione #IronBoyAU pic.twitter.com/tKtEsg179Z— Johnny Lieu (@Johnny_Lieu) February 11, 2016
#IronBoyAU with his Medal of Valour pic.twitter.com/wTlKtrWM5y— Rob Stott (@Rob_Stott) February 11, 2016
Iron Boy aka Dom told reporters his favourite part of the day was "fighting Ultron," and that his schoolmates will be amazed he got so famous fighting evil. "Those henchmen, they think they're so awesome," Dom said.
"I love it how he makes the suits," Dom replied when asked why Iron Man was his favourite character. Dom also revealed that if he had one superpower, it would be to heal. "Because [if] I get shot in the head, I survive," he said.
"What one superpower would you have Dom?"
"To heal" #IronBoyAU pic.twitter.com/xkLrYM0lKE— Johnny Lieu (@Johnny_Lieu) February 11, 2016
"It takes a whole team to make things like this amazing," Make-A-Wish foundation's wish manager Danielle Chartres told the media, referring to the scriptwriters, suit makers, actors and staffers that helped out on the day.
"It was amazing," Dom's mother, Nicole, told reporters. She said such experiences help kids like Dom get through the hard times, describing the feeling of walking up to the Opera House where a big crowd had gathered as "overwhelming."
"Dom was so excited. It was just one surprise after another."