Beloved Lenny B. Robinson, the "Route 29 Batman," was famous for visiting sick children in a Washington, D.C., hospital dressed up in a Batman costume -- until his tragic death in August.
Now, the local hero seems to have passed the parcel onto his superhero friends. On Wednesday, everyone from Spider-Man to Catwoman visited the Children's National Medical Center to visit children and deliver gifts.
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The visit was sponsored by The Hope for Henry Foundation, which seeks to provide joy for sick children in the D.C. area. Hope for Henry was named after founders Allen and Laurie Strongin's son, Henry, who died in 1995 of a rare blood disease known as Fanconi anemia.
Prepping for our superhero extravaganza tomorrow at Children's National! A photo posted by Hope for Henry (@hopeforhenry) on Oct 20, 2015 at 3:00pm PDT
"Some kids need visits from their heroes to help them heal," Laurie Strongin, Hope for Henry founder, told ABC.
"A visit from a superhero can transform a kid’s life. It can give them strength they need to get through a rough day, or a painful procedure, or break the monotony of a long hospitalization."
About to go meet th kids! @HopeforHenry SuperheroExtravaganza @ChildrensHealth #WTOP pic.twitter.com/UZy1shSBEq— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) October 21, 2015
Alison Flores chases down superheroes in the hall! @HopeforHenry SuperheroExtravaganza @ChildrensHealth #WTOP pic.twitter.com/8AF9RytQIf— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) October 21, 2015
Hope for Henry was especially near and dear to Robinson, the local "Batman" who partnered with the foundation for nearly ten years before his death. Robinson died two months ago when he was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 70 near Hagerstown, Maryland.
His legacy of kindness and generosity, however, continues.
Superheroes bring smiles 2 sick kids @childrenshealth @hopeforhenry honor Lenny Batman Robinson. Story at 5p @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/epidRKnNB2— suraechinn (@suraechinn) October 21, 2015
Tribute to the late Lenny 'Batman' Robinson @childrenshealth @hopeforhenry super heroes carry on his legacy @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/KXRPnzxuBn— suraechinn (@suraechinn) October 21, 2015
Jimmy, 12, from Virginia, was to be discharged from the hospital, but asked to stay longer when he found out that he might have a chance to meet Spider-Man.
After meeting his hero, Jimmy told ABC that the masked hero was "trying to tell me to keep fighting through the pain."