'Captain America' sends cancer patient message of hope
LA MESA, CA -- A message from one hero to another is making the news.
Ryan Wilcox is only 18 years old, but he's already touched hundreds of lives as he juggles school work and treatments for leukemia.
Related story: Chris Evans, Chris Pratt visit children's hospitals after Super Bowl bet
As a toddler, the teen also battled a brain tumor, which he survived. Nearly 10 years later, cancer struck again.
His classmates say Wilcox takes it all in stride, keeping a good attitude and inspiring others.
"He is like the coolest kid ever," a student says.
See also: 'Captain America: Civil War' sees familiar heroes trading blows
530022
With all this love for Wilcox, it should come as no surprise that the heroically brave teen caught the attention of his own hero, Captain America.
Actor Chris Evans sent Wilcox a special shout out which was enjoyed by a gymnasium full of supporters, who hosted a super hero rally in support of their peer.
"Amazing. It's just...," Wilcox says, "I'm getting emotional right now. It's blowing my mind. Blows my mind."
VIDEO: 'Captain America' star Chris Evans walks Oscars red carpet in classic suit
Just a great example of how the real strength is not in the size of your muscles, but the size of your heart.
'Captain America' appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Disney is the parent company of Marvel Entertainment, LLC and this ABC-owned station.
See also: Chris Evans, Chris Pratt battle over Super Bowl bets
