SAN DIEGO – Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Gwyneth Paltrow lived up to their promise and surprised a student from El Cajon who is battling cancer.
Just over two weeks after “Captain America” Evans sent 18-year-old Ryan Wilcox a video message that was played during a Grossmont High School school assembly, Evans flew to El Cajon with his celebrity friends.
#RyanStrong ❤️💙✨ pic.twitter.com/gKvMlaAsxp
— GROSSMONT ASB (@GHSASB) May 23, 2016
Pictures of Wilcox, Evans, Downey and Paltrow were shared on social media. They appeared to have visited him at his house in El Cajon.
I have so much respect for Chris Evans, Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr. Real life superheroes. #RyanStrong pic.twitter.com/H6UKmgLtpo
— Pedro Parker (@CaptSpiderMan) May 23, 2016
Today I got to shake the hand of a true warrior named Ryan Wilcox. He's cooler than I could ever hope to be. Thanks for the hospitality Wilc
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) May 23, 2016
Captain America has inspired Wilcox during his long battle with cancer, and Ryan’s dream was to meet Evans, the actor who plays his hero.
In early May, Wilcox’s classmates at Grossmont High School made a plea to the cast of “Captain America: Civil War” on social media. In the Facebook post, students said meeting the movie cast, especially Evans, would be a dream come true for their classmate.
“He isn’t doing too well and this would be a major way to boost his spirits and, quite frankly, be the best moment of his life, if he literally got to meet his hero,” students said.
On May 6, students decked out in America gear were able to surprise Ryan with a special video message from Captain America.
“I heard you are a big Captain America fan. Good taste!” actor Chris Evans said. “Glad to know you are on team Cap. Just wanted to say stay strong. I know you are fighting the good fight.”
Evans also said he has been inspired by the teenager.
“It’s people like you, with strength like yours, that inspire people like me. So thank you, really, from the bottom of my heart,” Evans said.
Evans, like Ryan’s classmates, encouraged the teen to stay #RyanStrong.
To donate to the Wilcox family, click here.
A blood drive in Ryan’s honor will be held Saturday, May 28, from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Fletcher Hills Shopping Center. For more information, call (619) 905-1592.
