Luca Raso is a superhero.
He may not swing from rooftops or battle villains in Gotham, but his courage is far greater — he’s beating cancer.
Diagnosed in 2022 at just three years old with stage 4 Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer, Luca has spent much of his young life in treatment. Now in Grade 1 at Corpus Christi Catholic Elementary School, and cancer-free, his fight has taken on a new purpose: raising awareness for childhood cancer.
The term “superhero” is often used to describe children like Luca, and rightly so. Inspired by his strength, Luca’s family proposed a “Superhero Day” at his school.
No stranger to the cause, staff and students embraced the idea. In previous years, the school has dressed in yellow for Childhood Cancer Day and shared encouraging messages on postcards for patients in Ontario hospitals.
“Corpus Christi proudly celebrated Superhero Day in support of children with cancer,” said Principal Kevin Camilleri. “Our students dressed as their favourite superheroes to show love, strength and solidarity with brave children battling cancer. The day was filled with vibrant costumes, uplifting activities and heartfelt prayers, reminding us that true heroes are those who face life’s greatest challenges with courage and hope.”
Leading the charge was Luca — dressed as Iron Man.
He was nervous at first, said Luca’s mom, Nicole Raso.
“I think he’s starting to understand that what he went through isn’t something every kid experiences. But by the end of the day, he loved it and said it was the best day ever.”
In addition to donning capes and masks, the school raised $965 for the Wish Heart Fund through the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. The fund was created in memory of Jack, the son of Literacy Resource Teacher Maria Wishart, who passed away from cancer just after his first birthday in 2017.
Wishart visited the school on April 11, 2025, for a cheque presentation and to witness firsthand the impact Luca has made.
Proceeds from the event will help fund Slush Puppie machines on pediatric oncology wards, noted Wishart. A small comfort with a big effect for kids undergoing treatment.
“By supporting children with cancer or getting involved in advocacy, individuals can help make treatment more manageable for both the child and their family and contribute to finding better cures that minimize long-term side effects,” said Raso.
Although progress has been made, she noted that childhood cancer research remains critically underfunded. Many current treatments were developed for adults and can lead to long-term effects in children.
“One of the biggest ways to help that people don’t even realize is donating blood. Kids with cancer get a lot of blood and platelet transfusions that are vital and lifesaving.”
Even smaller gestures, like donating toys, can make a significant difference to a child in treatment.
Raso hopes to see more schools take up the mantle and host their own Superhero Days.
“These kids need all the support they can receive, whether it’s through increased understanding, active involvement, or fundraising. Whatever it takes to make a difference.”
“Think of the impact Terry Fox made, imagine that for childhood cancer, too.”
“While it’s true that children with cancer face heartbreaking challenges, at Luca's school, we turned what could have been a sad day into an opportunity to truly honour the brave kids who fight daily, even after their treatment is over, as well as remembering those we've sadly lost.”
This year, Superhero Day has also been recognized by Blessed Sacrament, St. Michael, St. Paul, St. Teresa of Avila, St. David, St. Clare of Assisi, and Regina Mundi Catholic Elementary Schools.
