Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow visit ‘Avengers’ fan fighting cancer

MANILA, Philippines – Eighteen-year-old Ryan Wilcox met his heroes in the flesh when Avengers stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, and Gwyneth Paltrow (aka Captain America, Iron Man, and Pepper Potts) showed up at his door for a visit. (READ: ‘Captain America: Civil War’: 15 awesome fun facts)

According to a Facebook page dedicated to supporting him on his battle with cancer, Ryan is now fighting a secondary cancer called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The AML is a side effect from his battle with brain cancer – Ryan was diagnosed with a brian tumor at 3 years old, and it was removed 4 years later.

Gwyneth first hinted at the visit when she reposted a photo and message from a friend of Ryan’s. The message said that Ryan was a big Avengers and  fan and that meeting the cast of the movies would mean a lot to him.

Gwyneth reposted the photo a few days later, inviting Robert and Chris to a trip to Ryan’s home: “Hey [Robert Downey Jr] and [Chris Evans], want to take a road trip? I will drive you guys down.”

Hey @robertdowneyjr and #chrisevans, want to take a road trip? I will drive you guys down. #Repost @hizrarejwl with @repostapp. ・・・ This is Ryan Wilcox, he’s an 18 year old guy from San Diego battling cancer and he absolutely LOVES Captain America and the Avengers and what we want for Ryan if possible is to meet the actors and actresses of the Avengers, especially Chris Evans who plays Captain America. He isnt doing too well and this would be a major way to boost his spirits and quite frankly be the best moment of his life if he literally got to meet his hero! Please share this to help get the attention of Chris, Robert, Scarlett, and the rest of the Avengers cast and try to make his dream come true! #chrisevans #avengers #makeawish

A photo posted by Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow) on May 7, 2016 at 1:06pm PDT

On Tuesday, May 24, Gwyneth posted a photo of Robert and Chris on an airport tarmac, captioning her picture with the hashtag that Ryan and his supporters have been using on social media, “#ryanstrong.”

Let’s do this #ryanstrong @robertdowneyjr #chrisevans

A photo posted by Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow) on May 23, 2016 at 10:09am PDT

There was also a video of the 3 of them on a helicopter, heading to Ryan’s home.

#ryanstrong

A video posted by Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow) on May 23, 2016 at 11:07am PDT

Gwyneth’s last post of the visit was of Ryan with his heroes, Captain America and Iron Man. In the photo’s caption, Gwyneth wrote: “Today [Ryan Wilcox] got a little surprise. Thank you to the incredible [Chris Evans] and my better work half [Robert Downey Jr] for being the men you both are. And thank you to the Wilcox family for your hospitality! #ryanstrong.”

Today @ryanwilcox0303 got a little surprise. Thank you to the incredible #chrisevans and my better work half @robertdowneyjr for being the men you both are. And thank you to the Wilcox family for your hospitality! #ryanstrong

A photo posted by Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow) on May 23, 2016 at 12:10pm PDT

The student government at Ryan’s high school, Grossmont High School, re-posted some of Ryan’s photos from the day too. Aside from a picture with the stars, there was also one of Robert and Chris in Ryan’s room.

#RyanStrong #Repost @ryanwilcox0303 with @repostapp. ・・・ Look who stopped by! @gwynethpaltrow @robertdowneyjr #chrisevans

A photo posted by Grossmont High School (@ghsasb) on May 23, 2016 at 10:41am PDT

Chris Evans in my room. Robert Downey Jr in my chair

A photo posted by Grossmont High School (@ghsasb) on May 23, 2016 at 2:27pm PDT

A few days before Gwyneth invited Chris and Robert for a visit, Chris already took notice of Ryan and gave him a video message.

“I heard you’re a big Captain America fan, good taste, glad to know you’re on Team Cap,” said Chris, referring to the plot line in the latest Captain America movie, Civil War.

“Just want to say stay strong, I know you’re fighting the good fight. It’s people like you, with strength like yours, that inspire people like me, so thank you, really, from the bottom of my heart,” continued Chris.

– Rappler.com