Mighty Malcolm’s leading heroic effort for Niagara Children’s Centre

September 16, 2025

Mighty Malcolm’s leading heroic effort for Niagara Children’s Centre

The Superhero Run takes place on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Brock University

St. Catharines, ON – For many parents, seeing their baby sit independently or crawl for the first time is a special moment. For the DeWildt family, those milestones are also hard-earned victories filled with pride and gratitude.

At just five months old, Malcolm was diagnosed with infantile spasms, a rare form of epilepsy that can cause significant developmental delays. Since then, he has faced challenges head-on, supported by his loving family and his therapy team at Niagara Children’s Centre.

“Malcolm has had to work exceptionally hard to make progress, and we could not be prouder of him,” said his mom, Mary-Kate DeWildt. “He's just recently started sitting independently, which is great because he can engage with his surroundings so much more. We are hoping that crawling will be our next big milestone.”

Following his diagnosis, Malcolm was referred to Niagara Children’s Centre, where he now receives physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. His mom says the Centre has been instrumental in helping Malcolm reach milestones that once felt uncertain.

“They have helped him to reach goals that I wasn’t always sure would be possible,” she explained. “Most recently, they’ve supported our family through Malcolm’s transition to daycare—connecting with staff, ensuring his environment is safe, and giving him every opportunity to be successful. The team has been an incredible support, not only to Malcolm, but to us as a family.”

This year, the DeWildts are giving back by forming Team Mighty Malcolm’s and registering for their first-ever Superhero Run. The family has already raised more than $4,800 in support of the Children’s Centre.

“I feel so grateful to our family and friends who have donated,” DeWildt said. “We look forward to making the Superhero Run an annual family tradition and an opportunity every year to give back to the Centre.”

The Superhero Run has become a Niagara tradition, drawing more than 700 people each year, including 400 participants of all ages and abilities, as well as hundreds of volunteers, vendors, and sponsors. Last year’s event raised more than $151,000 to support children and families across the region.

“Every child deserves to feel like they can do anything and that they have people who believe in them,” DeWildt added. “That’s exactly what Niagara Children’s Centre does for families like ours—they help children reach their fullest potential to live safe, happy, and fulfilling lives.”

Oksana Fisher, CEO of Niagara Children’s Centre, says stories like Malcolm’s are at the heart of the event.

“We are deeply inspired by the resilience of children like Malcolm and the support of their families,” said Fisher. “The Superhero Run is a celebration of community coming together to ensure children across Niagara have access to the care and support they need to be their best.”

The event, scheduled for Saturday, October 4, at Brock University, features a 2.5K or 5K scenic route, as well as the ever-popular 1K family fun course. Along the 1K route, participants will enjoy 10 superhero-themed stations, including fun, family-friendly activities such as crashing through boxes, cone smashing, and mini obstacles.

“Since the very first Superhero Run, the community has raised more than $850,000 for the Children’s Centre,” said Fisher. “This year, we are calling on Niagara residents to help us reach our biggest milestone yet: $1 million raised over the event’s lifetime.”

The Superhero Run, presented since its inception by The Viola-Salter Group, a division of Scotia Wealth Management, provides every participant with a collectible t-shirt, medal, and numerous photo opportunities to capture their superhero experience. Registration is open now at NiagaraSuperheroRun.ca.

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About Niagara Children’s Centre:
Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and support services to more than 5,900 children and youth last year across the Niagara Region with physical, developmental and communicative delays. The range of services include: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.

For further information, contact:

Michael Morrison, Marketing & Communications Officer
Phone: 905-688-1890 ext. 260
Email: michael.morrison@niagarachildrenscentre.com

Photo caption:
Malcolm, right, is pictured with his family, Benjamin, Dave and Mary-Kate at their home in Grimsby as they prepare for the Superhero Run in support of Niagara Children’s Centre.