Michael and Maria Elkady are high school sweethearts and they have a passion for community service within our community. Michael works for the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
When Deputy Elkady is off duty, he trades in his badge for his Batman costume.
The Elkady's formed a local nonprofit organization called Heroes Unmasked two years ago. It's a local group of superheroes who visit hospitals and homes.
The children are the true heroes
"We dress up as heroes but the children are the true heroes and that is what it is about... it's about them," Maria said.
The organization raises funds through events and donations to give back to kids with illnesses by offering financial support for their hospital bills.
"We want to distract them during the visit so they can just be a child and enjoy the moment they're in and forget about everything else," Michael said.
The superheroes bring toys, play games, and share laughs during the visit. The group has partnered with all of the children's hospitals in the state and have spent time with more than 120 kids so far this year.
Fundraiser planned on August 11th
The group is hosting a hockey game to raise money. This is the 4th Annual Public Safety Shootout. Local law enforcement teams, Lee County Rangers and Fort Myers Blue Thunder, will face off head to head on August 11th. Dozens of superheroes will be there. The event is at 4:30pm Fort Myers Skatium. Tickets can be found on their website: Heroesunmasked.org.
