A 10-year-old south Baldwin County boy who overcame childhood kidney cancer is one step closer to becoming a superhero in a comic book inspired by legendary comic book creator Stan Lee.

Aaron Ross, who was diagnosed with Wilms tumor at age 2, has advanced to the quarterfinals of Stan Lee’s Super Kid 2026 competition, placing him among the top 1% of contestants nationwide.

The competition offers one child the opportunity to become a superhero character in a Stan Lee Universe comic book and receive a $25,000 prize.

For Aaron’s family, however, the experience represents much more than a chance to win a national competition. It is an opportunity for a boy who spent part of his early childhood fighting cancer to embrace his interests, build confidence and enjoy being a kid.

Aaron’s mother, April Moore, said her family was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty when he was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a form of childhood kidney cancer. Aaron underwent surgery to remove his left kidney followed by six months of chemotherapy.

“One of the hardest parts was watching him spend time in the hospital, separated from his siblings, especially his twin brother, Aiden,” Moore said. “He was too young to understand what was happening, yet he showed incredible patience, trust and strength.”

The experience tested the family as they tried to remain strong for Aaron while confronting their own fears.

More than seven years after completing treatment, Aaron is cancer-free. Moore said his recovery has given the family a perspective shaped by faith, resilience and gratitude.

“Today, more than seven years cancer-free, Aaron is a walking testimony that even the most frightening beginnings can lead to beautiful outcomes,” she said.

Now 10, Aaron enjoys playing Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox, reading and spending time with his siblings. According to his official competition page, his love of superheroes began with watching superhero movies and imagining what it would be like to have extraordinary abilities of his own.

Batman is his favorite superhero because of the character’s bravery, strength and intelligence, as well as his determination to protect others without relying on superpowers.

If he could choose superpowers of his own, Aaron would want to fly and stretch his body to incredible lengths. He imagines soaring through the sky and stretching his arms to reach things, help people and have a little fun along the way.

Moore describes him as a boy whose personality can shift from quiet and serious to silly and full of laughter.

“I sometimes feel cancer took away a small part of his early childhood,” Moore said. “That's why watching him simply enjoy being a happy, healthy 10-year-old means so much to me. He spent part of his childhood fighting to get well, and now he gets to enjoy just being a kid.”

Moore entered Aaron in the competition because she wanted him to have an opportunity to experience something positive after his early health struggles.

“At first, he was nervous, but as he advanced and saw the support surrounding him, his excitement grew,” she said.

His reaction to the competition has also revealed a compassionate side, according to his mother. Rather than focusing only on his own progress, Aaron felt sad for children who did not advance.

“I reminded him that every child in this competition is already a hero, regardless of who wins,” Moore said.

Reaching the quarterfinals has helped Aaron gain confidence as he continues to compete against contestants from across the country.

His family has rallied around him through Team Aaron, a growing network of relatives and friends supporting his journey. His support system includes his twin brother, Aiden; older brother, John; older sister, Jordan; and extended family members and friends.

Aaron also has a future career in mind. He hopes to become a police officer like his father, who is retired from law enforcement.

Moore said she admires that Aaron understands the risks officers take to protect others and values the opportunity to help people.

She hopes his experiences will continue to shape his understanding of courage, kindness and service.

“I believe his journey has taught him the importance of faith, courage, love, and support,” Moore said. “He knows God has been watching over him, and our family believes his life is a testimony to God's grace.”

She also hopes he remembers that heroism extends beyond comic books and costumes.

“Aaron is living proof that a difficult beginning doesn't have to determine how your story ends,” Moore said. “I hope he always remembers that being a hero isn't about wearing a cape — it's about having courage, showing kindness, and helping others.”

The next round of voting in Stan Lee’s Super Kid 2026 competition is scheduled to open at noon Central time Monday, Oct. 26, and run through Nov. 5. Supporters can cast one free vote per day. Adults 18 and older may also make donations for additional votes, but donations are not required.

Public voting determines which contestant advances from each group. Votes reset at the beginning of each round, and the first-place contestant in each quarterfinal group advances to the semifinals.

The semifinals are scheduled for Nov. 6-12, followed by the finals Nov. 13-19. Dates are subject to change. The grand prize winner will be determined through public voting, with an announcement scheduled on or before Dec. 17. A separate Critic’s Pick opportunity will be selected by representatives of the Stan Lee Universe.

Those interested in supporting Aaron can find his official competition page at https://thesuperkid.org/2026/aaron-7c90.

For Moore, watching her son move from a cancer diagnosis as a toddler to pursuing a dream of becoming a superhero at age 10 has been an emotional experience. Whatever the competition’s outcome, she said the opportunity has already given him something meaningful: a chance to recognize his own strength while celebrating the possibilities ahead.