MARBLEHEAD — Sunday morning in Marblehead was like any other day, with residents going about their daily routines and clocking into work, until something strange began happening.
Slowly, people throughout Town were inexplicably falling asleep.
Four-year-old Jackson “JJ” Weiss saw the bulletin on the news: Supervillain Triple Z was using evil lullabies on unsuspecting residents.
The news anchor put out a plea for a hero to save Marblehead.
The Background
Marblehead resident JJ was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor in late 2024 after a visit to his local emergency room for persistent headaches. Since then, JJ has endured intensive treatment, including brain surgery, high-dose chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and radiation.
Despite all the challenges he has faced, including complications from surgery that left him mute and needing to regain use of his arms and legs for six weeks, JJ remains brave and strong, earning him the nickname of “Super JJ” from his family and peers.
As he continued treatment, “Super JJ” became a coping tool during the difficult moments, allowing JJ to view his cancer journey as a series of missions in which he always saved the day.
Naturally, when JJ got to make his wish through Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, he chose to become what everyone already knew he was.
He wished to be a real superhero.
The Mission
Responding to the news report, Super JJ donned his supersuit and quickly assembled his team, his “Super Coach,” brother Luke and sister Ellie.
After a morning of rescues and sightings of Triple Z, Super JJ and the team encountered Triple Z sneaking around at Marblehead Lighthouse. Fearlessly, Super JJ rushed into action, trapping Triple Z under a net, where he could do no more harm to the people of Marblehead.
With help from Marblehead Police, Triple Z was transported to the Police Station, where he was finally put behind bars.
Super JJ arrived to a crowd of hundreds at Seaside Park, there to celebrate his courage and thank him for saving the town. In honor of Super JJ’s brave efforts, the Marblehead Select Board claimed March 29 as “Superhero Day.” Select Board member Jim Zisson read the proclamation to the crowd following Triple Z’s defeat.
Make-A-Wish
Through his wish, granted by Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Super JJ experienced a busy day of crimefighting in Marblehead in which he got to display and be celebrated for the bravery he shows every day.
Make-A-Wish coordinated with Marblehead Police, the Town of Marblehead, and numerous local organizations to bring JJ’s wish to life — developing a logo for Super JJ, working with a local designer to have costumes made, setting up missions at various locations in Town, working with the news to create a faux newscast, arranging for transportation via limousine and racecar, setting up a press conference for Super JJ after the villain was defeated, and so much more.
Marblehead Police Sgt. Tim Morley was the Department’s event lead, working with Make-A-Wish and JJ’s family to create his wish experience. Morley helped spread the word of JJ’s heroism in the press conference, acting as the PIO to tell the story of how Super JJ and his team bravely captured Triple Z.
“We are so grateful to have played a small part in JJ’s wish,” said Chief Dennis King. “JJ’s bravery is an example to all of us, and serves as strong reminder of why we do what we do. JJ is a true hero, and we wish him the best as he continues his brave fight with cancer.”
“This weekend, JJ got the opportunity to share his strength and bravery with the rest of the Town, and the greater community,” said Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer III. “I wish to thank Make-A-Wish for bringing this event to life for JJ and creating an unforgettable experience for him. JJ’s story is an inspiration, and I am honored that we had this opportunity to celebrate him for his perseverance.”
JJ’s wish is the 11,000th wish to be granted by Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and the organization is working to grant the wishes of 385 local children this year. His wish also kicks off April’s World Wish Month, which raises awareness and support for Make-A-Wish.
Visit www.massri.wish.org/superjj to see more from JJ’s wish and learn how to get involved in supporting local wish children like JJ.
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