FDNY ‘heroes’ brighten days for pediatric patients at Maimonides

Humble Heroes of FDNY was founded in 2015

Not all heroes wear capes.

Members of the FDNY dressed up as superheroes and visited patients at Maimonides Children’s Hospital Sept. 10.

The participants are part of Humble Heroes of FDNY, a nonprofit organization where volunteers dress as famous heroes, visit hospitals, special needs schools, and grief centers, bringing joy to children battling illness.

The group surprised the kids with a special toy drop-off as they were dressed as comic book characters. They said hello to the pediatric patients, gave them high-fives and hugs from our pediatric patients, and took pictures with them. 

“They were beyond excited to meet their favorite heroes in real life,” posted Maimonides Health on Facebook. “The joy on our kids’ faces said it all. These moments of happiness mean so much to our families and staff, and we are deeply grateful to the Humble Heroes for bringing such positivity and love into our hospital. Thank you, Humble Heroes of FDNY!”

“We are so grateful to the FDNY for bringing joy, laughter and toys to our patients and families,” Alexis Ellis, Manager of Patient and Family Support, told this paper. “Seeing our patients in the hospital light up as Spider-Man, Superman, Captain America, and Deadpool walked through the unit was truly heartwarming. Their generosity and energy brought comfort, smiles, and hope to patients and staff at the hospital.” 

Humble Heroes of FDNY was founded in 2015 by firefighter Robert Banome when he and his friends dressed as Power Rangers for a Halloween party where they talked to a woman whose son had cancer. She told him that a visit from the Power Rangers could brighten his day.

Months later, Banome was treated for a burn at NY Presbyterian Hospital. He visited the pediatric unit and felt called to lift the spirits of the children he saw. Then he and his friends started visiting hospitals to bring cheer to other kids.

“We’re a group of committed volunteers joining forces to achieve one common goal – to lift the spirits of ill and grieving children,” explained on Humble Heroes of FDNY’s website.  “Disguised as the most famous heroes of our time, we visit hospitals, special needs schools, and community centers, bringing joy to kids fighting life’s injustices. Our mantra is, ‘Anyone can be someone’s hero.’

Volunteers were happy to help make the children’s days.

“One of my favorite visits so far was to Maimonides Hospital,” sails Rob Vogt. “Luckily and unfortunately we were able to see a lot of kids, but it gave us the chance to give toys to every one of them. What stood out to me was working alongside the nurses and doctors. They knew exactly which toy each child would love, whether it was their favorite character or show.

“Seeing each kid smile whether we were able to visit them in person or wave from the door due to isolation precautions was really special. You could tell how much it made their day.”

“A very special moment was meeting a little girl who was on isolation precautions, as soon as she saw us, she got up, had the biggest smile, and blew us kisses,” said Walid Chudery. “Maimonides holds a special place in my heart because my kids and I were born there, and I also used to work there, first as an Information Specialist in the Labor and Delivery Department and later as a Patient Care Technician in the ER.”