Sick Minn. boy gets to be superhero for a day, saves city

ASSOCIATED PRESS

11 years ago

Gavin Quimby, 4, runs around in puddles during a break between scenes for his video Thursday, June 19, 2014, at the Central Fire Station in Winona, Minn. Gavin was the city’s hero as he saved the day multiple times while creating a video for an upcoming benefit. (AP Photo/Winona Daily News, Andrew Link)

Super-Gav is picked up by Winona Winhawk Jake Timm as he scores the "winning touchdown" in the state championship game Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Paul Giel Field in Winona, Minn. Four-year-old Gavin Quimby of Winona was the city’s hero as he saved the day multiple times while creating a video for an upcoming benefit. (AP Photo/Winona Daily News, Andrew Link)

Four-year-old Gavin Quimby, of Winona, is carried off the field with his family as fans cheer in the stands Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Paul Giel Field in Winona, Minn. Gavin was the city’s hero as he saved the day multiple times while creating a video for an upcoming benefit. (AP Photo/Winona Daily News, Andrew Link)

Four-year-old Gavin Quimby shows the golden key to the city to his mom, Shanna Guimby, as his father, Nick, stands nearby Thursday, June 19, 2014, at the Winona (Minn.) City Hall. Super-Gav received the key from Winona Mayor Mark Peterson. Gavin was the city’s hero as he saved the day multiple times while creating a video for an upcoming benefit. (AP Photo/Winona Daily News, Andrew Link)

WINONA, Minn. — A 4-year-old Winona boy got to save the day as his favorite superhero.

Gavin Quimby dressed up as Superman Thursday and came to the rescue as “Super-Gav.” He wore a blue Superman shirt — with a “G” instead of an “S” — and a red cape.

Gavin recently was diagnosed with a rare and often fatal neurological disorder. So friends and family, with help from across the community, gave Gavin a gift — the key to the city and a chance to save it.

The Winona Daily News reports Gavin arrived in a police car to score the winning touchdown for the high school football team. He also got to put out a fire and retrieve a stolen purse — all for a movie to be shown at a benefit July 26 to help cover Gavin’s medical expenses.

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Information from: Winona Daily News, http://www.winonadailynews.com