Robert Downey Jr makes terminally ill boy's dream come true
- Published
Robert Downey Jr hung out with a terminally ill British boy on Saturday, making his dream come true.
Aaron Hunter has a rare syndrome called ROHHAD, which causes previously healthy children to gain weight and develop breathing difficulties.
He posted a video online pleading to meet Iron Man. To his surprise, after the #AaronNeedsIronMan campaign went viral, the Avengers star FaceTimed him.
Robert Downey Jr's foundation now supports Aaron's charity.
Please RT and help Aaron reach IronMan #AaronNeedsIronman he has terminal ROHHAD Disease & has special message 4 fav hero @RobertDowneyJr pic.twitter.com/9fppkTpKvB
— ROHHAD Association (@ROHHAD_GLOBAL) January 28, 2017
ROHHAD stands for Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation and Autonomic Dysregulation.
It's an extremely rare, life-threatening disease that affects approximately 100 children worldwide - meaning children have a one in 70 million chance of developing it.
Aaron, from West Dunbartonshire, needs an oxygen ventilator to breathe.
He calls it his superhero mask because it makes him feel like his idol, Iron Man - who he met on Saturday.
Selfie game on point! Aaron and I are devising ways we can #gomadforrohhad...Donate just $10 bux (https://t.co/ywpvrsvUm3) to win a trip to #hollywood for the #avengersinfinitywar world premiere. Proceeds benefit @Rohhad_Global and #brianortegafoundation. See you there! pic.twitter.com/wouSDCwWHG
— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) March 24, 2018
There's currently no cure, with little funding for medical research - which is part of the reason Robert Downey Jr and Aaron are now finding ways to #GoMadForROHHAD.
Aaron launched a challenge with the ROHHAD Association nearly two years ago, asking people to jump up and down in puddles.
The eight-year-old used to love getting muddy in puddles but can't anymore because it's not safe for him to run - and hurts when he jumps.
Winners required...Be a helper, a donor, and a joiner...Go to https://t.co/ywpvrsejuv@ROHHAD_Global #avengersinfinitywar #🌎premieretix
— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) March 19, 2018
(Photo Cred: Jimmy Rich) pic.twitter.com/MmUWPh81yJ
Aaron's mum Lisa Hunter thanked Robert Downey Jr on Facebook.
"This memory will never leave us, it has been magical. We have never seen Aaron this happy until now.
"His big heart is full of HOPE!
"And the best is yet to come with the help this will bring all of the children fighting ROHHAD as Robert fulfils Aaron's wish in full.
"Special thanks to Robert Downey Jr and Team Downey for their incredible support and promise to help.
"The hope all the families now have would not be happening without YOU."
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