Brazil’s ‘Superman’ brings hope and joy to children hospitalized with cancer in Ghana. image

The pediatric oncology service at Koreb University Hospital in Ghana’s capital Accra, known for its quiet hallways, labored breathing and parents clinging to hope, has temporarily changed its appearance with the arrival of the man dubbed the “Brazilian Superman.”

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Dressed in the iconic blue, yellow and red costume from the 1980s Superman films, Leonardo Mouirat, who stands 2.03 meters tall, completed a week-long visit to Ghana on Friday, his first trip to Africa.

For several hours, cries of joy replaced sadness at the hospital church service.

Leonardo Mouiraert, known as Brazil’s Superman, plays with a group of patients during a visit to Korle Bu University Hospital in Accra — Photo: Claudia Lacave / AFP

Children hooked up to intravenous drips stood up for the first time in several days. Some had difficulty standing and smiled shyly. Everywhere they held the hands of the “Brazilian Superman”.

Parents rushed to take selfies and medical staff filled the hallways, many with cellphones in hand to capture the moment.

“He went from bed to bed, paying attention to each child individually,” the nurse said. “In some cases, we see them smile for the first time in weeks,” he added.

For Regina Awuku, 35, whose 5-year-old son is battling leukemia, this encounter was a miracle. “My son was very happy to meet Superman. It means a lot to us,” he told AFP. “He was lying motionless, but as soon as we saw him, he felt the strength to stand up. We had been waiting for that smile for a long time.”

Leonardo Muiraert, known as Brazil's Superman, poses with patients and their families during a visit to Korle Bou University Hospital — Photo: CLAUDIA LACAVE / AFP — Leonardo Muiraert, known as Brazil’s Superman, poses with patients and their families during a visit to Korle Bou University Hospital — Photo: CLAUDIA LACAVE / AFP

Leonard Muirato, a lawyer by profession, said he chose Ghana to celebrate his birthday. “I feel close to the culture, traditions and joy of this country,” he declared.

After CCXP 2022, a major pop culture festival, his fame skyrocketed after a video by author Mark Waid highlighting his resemblance to Clark Kent went viral. Muirato has since turned this notoriety into a commitment to solidarity, visiting vulnerable populations from Ecuador to Australia.

In Accra, after visiting a hospital, I passed a nearby prosthetics workshop where several amputee children were shouting “Superman!” When I saw him walk into a football game.

For Akua Sarpong, founder of the NGO Ghana Childhood Cancer Lifeline, the impact was immediate. “That day was full of joy,” he said.

Mouiraert emphasized that this visit further strengthened his belief in the power of small gestures. “Everyone can be a hero… they don’t need a cape. Happiness is attracted to them. A smile on their face changes the world,” he told AFP.

“We planted a seed…The idea is to spread happiness everywhere. Maybe we can’t change the whole world, but if we inspire one person, we will inspire others,” Superman said in a statement of solidarity before returning to Brazil.