The Beautiful Story of How a 9-Year-Old Became Iron Boy For a Day

By Kelsey Garcia

Updated on 2/17/2016 at 1:45 PM

Iron Boy saves Sydney

The wish of a seriously ill 9-year-old boy has come true — he's been declared a superhero for a day, carrying out a vital rescue mission and saving the city of Sydney from dangerous villains.New South Wales Police and the children's charity, Make-A-Wish Australia, today joined forces, with the blessing of the Walt Disney Company Australia, to fulfil the dreams of "Domenic", a schoolboy from Bringelly in Sydney's south-west, who suffers from the life-threatening illness, Cystic Fibrosis.Around 9am this morning, Domenic received an urgent call for assistance from senior police and was flown by police helicopter from a suburban Sydney park to a busy Operations Centre at Police Headquarters, Parramatta.It was there he transformed into the superhero, "Iron Boy," and was tasked with rescuing "Make-A-Wish" reporter, Hope Joy, from the clutches of villainous henchmen at a secret hideout.Police used Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats or RHIBs to ferry the nine-year-old and his family at speed to Clark Island on Sydney Harbour to carry out the rescue.Iron Boy was then called upon to battle his arch nemesis, "Ultron," on the steps of the Sydney Opera House before handing him over to police.Domenic's 12-year-old brother, Joseph, played the role of Iron Boy's Marvel Comics sidekick, "War –Machine," aka "Colonel Rhodes."New South Wales Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, commended Domenic's courage during a special medal presentation."On behalf of a grateful Police Force and indeed the people of Sydney, I would like to thank Domenic for his tremendous efforts today," Commissioner Scipione said."It can't be easy dealing with an illness like his and we feel privileged to be able to work with Make-A-Wish Australia to ensure his wish to be a famous superhero came true," he added."It also allows the Police Force to express its community-mindedness and sensitive side; and I hope we have made Domenic's day."It was also my great honour to present Domenic, or should I say "Iron Boy," with a special acknowledgement, a Commissioner's Award for Gallantry."Not only has Domenic battled villains and saved his city, he's stared down his illness and won the day."

Posted by NSW Police Force on Thursday, February 11, 2016

Meet Domenic Pace, a 9-year-old boy from New South Wales, Australia, also known as Iron Boy. Domenic has been suffering from cystic fibrosis — a chronic illness that mainly affects the lungs — for much of his life. Despite his condition, he managed to save Sydney from shady characters and dangerous villains when he morphed into Iron Boy, Iron Man's inspiring new protégé.

Thanks to Make-A-Wish Australia, Domenic was able to be a superhero for what seemed like the best day ever. The day started with Domenic receiving the day's mission at police headquarters . . . which he arrived at by helicopter (no big deal). Domenic then spent the day rescuing Make-A-Wish reporter Hope Joy, fiercely battling his enemy Ultron's henchmen, and finally defeating said enemy at the Sydney Opera House.

What's more, Iron Man himself — aka Robert Downey Jr. — confirmed Domenic's special mission via Twitter and then again in a sweet Facebook video.

Sent a very special boy on a top secret mission today. Go get 'em, Domenic! #IronBoyAU @MakeAWishAust

— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) February 11, 2016

We love how Make-A-Wish — and the Internet — helped Domenic publicly become the superhero that he's been all along. Now we'll just be weeping in the corner if you need us.