As May 13 approaches, the Virgin Islands prepares to honor Logan Cruz, whose short life continues to inspire many. “Logan Cruz The Superhero Day,” which falls on what would have been Logan’s seventh birthday, aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer while celebrating the legacy of a boy who touched hearts across the territory.
Logan Cruz died after a courageous two-year battle with leukemia in 2022. Since his death, his mother, Anais Cruz, has continued working to educate children about childhood cancer through school visits, community outreach and the Logan Miracle Foundation.
As the foundation prepares for this year’s observance, Cruz said the occasion carries both deep emotion and renewed purpose.
While the foundation’s home base remains in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cruz recently expanded operations to New York, with the goal of building connections and resources that can ultimately benefit children and families back home.
“The home base is definitely still home,” Cruz said. “I just expanded to New York because there are so many more resources here, and I thought that would be beneficial for the foundation if I have access to these things here in New York that I would be able to pour back into the Virgin Islands.”
This year’s “Logan Cruz The Superhero Day” will take a more focused and intentional approach than previous large-scale celebrations, centering primarily on children receiving pediatric and therapy services throughout the territory.
Observed annually on May 13, the day encourages the community to wear orange, dress in superhero capes and enjoy Oreos in honor of Logan while raising awareness about childhood cancer.
“It’s that time of the year again. We are celebrating Logan’s seventh birthday,” Cruz said while discussing this year’s initiative. “Together we keep Logan’s legacy alive and we bring awareness to childhood cancer.”
Cruz partnered with the Pediatric Care Center of the Virgin Islands, which is decorating its office and helping distribute superhero capes to patients. This year, the center is planning a birthday celebration for pediatric patients in Logan’s honor.
“They are really going all out this year,” Cruz said.
The Pediatric Care Center provided Cruz with the number of children expected to visit on May 13, allowing the foundation to send superhero capes and additional supplies. The center also created a Logan-themed coloring book for the occasion, commissioned locally, along with custom party bags featuring Logan’s photo and birthday message.
“We’re really throwing a party in the pediatric center for these kids on behalf of Logan,” Cruz said.
The foundation also partnered with Coral Reef Academy after the organization independently participated in Superhero Day last year. Cruz said seeing children on the autism spectrum embrace the event deeply impacted her.
“I remember they took part last year, and it was so impactful for me to see those kids feel special,” she said.
The academy will receive superhero capes for participating children as part of this year’s observance.
In addition, JS Therapies Virgin Islands joined this year’s initiative after reaching out to the foundation to participate. Cruz donated superhero capes to children participating through the organization as part of the observance.
“The more kids, the better,” Cruz said.
JS Therapies Virgin Islands is also planning its own activities and encouraging participants to wear orange in support of childhood cancer awareness and Logan’s legacy.
“This year was slightly more intentional,” Cruz said. “I really wanted to focus on places that specifically deal with pediatric patients and children on the spectrum.”
Looking ahead, Cruz hopes “Logan Cruz Superhero Day” eventually becomes an annual territorywide tradition recognized in schools across the Virgin Islands.
“My end goal would be that on May 13 every year all schools know to wear orange,” Cruz said. “I want to partner with the Department of Education so that we can bring awareness to childhood cancer in a fun way.”
Cruz acknowledged that establishing the foundation’s expansion into New York has not been easy. She described spending months navigating state requirements and approvals.
But Cruz said the effort has already begun opening doors through networking opportunities and mentorship connections.
While continuing to build resources in New York, Cruz said her heart remains firmly rooted in serving children and families in the Virgin Islands.
“My heart and soul is so embedded in the Logan Miracle Foundation,” she said. “Even if it’s the smallest thing, it’s something.”
Cruz also expressed gratitude to members of the community who continue to support Logan’s legacy, including SLT Majorettes who recently honored Logan during parade appearances on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
“They are women of value,” Cruz said. “I knew whatever they did would be done with grace and represent what my foundation stands for.”
The community is welcome and encouraged to wear capes, orange and have an Oreo on “Logan Cruz The Superhero Day.” To follow updates on the Logan Miracle Foundation, follow the Facebook page here.
“I truly just want to continue pouring into the community,” she said. “The community gave me so much love and support when I needed it.”
