About the Hero

I have been a huge Batman fan since the age of two years old when I watched my first Batman: The Animated Series episodes.  Batman has always been an inspirational hero for me, because, unlike superheroes, he was ordinary and self-made.  His only superpower was the strength of his mind and the will to act to make his world a better place through dedication, perseverance, and self-sacrifice.  Batman is a symbol of hope and encourages us to do what is right, even if that is not necessarily what makes us happy.  Like the rest of us, because he has no superpowers, Batman has limitations that require him to make difficult moral and ethical decisions.  He is truly one of the most symbolic and  inspirational heroes ever created.


One of my favorite quotes from the Dark Knight Trilogy is part of a conversation Bruce Wayne, Batman, has with Alfred, his butler.  “People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy.  I can't do this as Bruce Wayne.  A man is just flesh and blood and can be ignored or destroyed.  But as a symbol... As a symbol, I can be incorruptible, everlasting.”  In challenging times, we forget about the welfare of our fellow humans and become indifferent to the obstacles they face.  Bruce realized that only through extreme action can we be awakened to the reality that surrounds us and he sacrificed his human persona to serve others by becoming Batman.  

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Bruce Wayne became the mask, as Batman became his new identity.   To disguise his true identity, he transformed the image of Bruce Wayne into that of a spoiled and superficial billionaire who only took pride in his wealth.  His childhood best friend, Rachel, was unaware that he had become Batman and only saw him as the spoiled billionaire he portrayed himself to be.  When Bruce tried to explain to her that “all- all this, it- it's not me, inside, I am, I am more,” she responded with, “Deep down you may still be that same great kid you used to be. But it's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you.”  Later, in a dramatic scene in the movie when Rachel is saved by Batman, she asks him to tell her who he is.  Batman responds with, “It's not who I am underneath... but what I *do*... that defines me," as he jumps off a roof to save Gotham.  We all have an impression of who we are or who we wish we were, but what really matters is that our actions support our perceptions, because it is out actions that define us. 


When I was twenty one, I wanted to give back to my community and to spread the magic of Batman that has made me so passionate about the character.  I wanted to make Batman real.  I wanted to become the hero that children and adults could look up to and respect.  I wanted to inspire hope and spread joy.  My vision for the past couple of years has been to become the most realistic Batman possible and to spread hope and promote strength in children who are suffering from life threatening medical conditions.  I have vowed to carry out this mission throughout my adult life by visiting children at hospitals, in their homes, and by volunteering at fundraisers and for other meritorious causes as the Bay Area Hero.

Yes, this was me in 1st grade. I was Batman for Halloween for eight consecutive years as a child.

The suit on display in the bat-armory.

I started Bay Area Hero to save up for a perfect replica Batman costume, and other necessary equipment for these visits, so that I might become a living hero for the children in need of one, and to inspire others to do what is right in life and act selflessly.


I am happy to announce that I have been able to raise enough money and ordered the ultimate custom Batman suit.  This suit is now the official suit of the Bay Area Hero!  I will continue to offer services for parties and private events in addition to volunteering until I graduate and find employment, after which, I will transition to solely volunteering and relying on donations to continue spreading the spirit of Batman in the Bay Area.  

 
If you have any questions, would like me to visit your child, hospital, or event, or would like to support Bay Area Hero, please contact me through the “Contact the Hero” page!


To support my cause and stay up to date on what I do, "follow" me on twitter and "like" me on Facebook.  Thank you for your support!