A love that can leap buildings in a single bound

Every superhero has an origin story.

Bitten by a radioactive spider? Heard that one.

Orphaned from a far-away planet? So passe.

A Norse god fallen to Earth? Over it.

My favorite superheroes have a much more compelling, much more relatable story line.

Many of them gained their super-powers the day a child was born; for each of them it was a special child. These superheroes may not have known it immediately – in fact, many of them likely felt quite powerless at first.

When a parent learns that their child will be born with Down's syndrome, or that complications during birth will lead to life-long disability, it is not uncommon to feel that way. For some superhero parents, this moment comes later, upon learning of an autism diagnosis.

But in time, these parents discover a strength that is, well, heroic.

And this Saturday, you can see them in action.

As part of Extra Special People's Second Annual Jump, Fly, Be Different event, more than 30 superheroes will jump out of an airplane to showcase their love and devotion to children and young adults with disabilities. Five of those people are parents of young people who take part in ESP's social, recreational and therapeutic programs.

The event runs from 12 to 8 p.m. At the Monroe-Walton County Airport, 535 Towler Street, Monroe, Ga.

Skydivers raise money that helps keep the cost of ESP summer camp low, particularly for needy families. In the second year of the event, we are adding a full day of family-friendly activities. Entrance to the event is free, and there will be live music and lots activities, plus extremely affordable food and drinks. Plus, there's the added entertainment of watching superheroes drop from the sky via parachute.

There will be heroes like Acrobatic Annie and her legion of tutu-wearing sidekicks. Annie draws her strength and super-powers from her son Adnan, who has his own set of super-powers. They are most potent when Adnan, who has Down's Syndrome, dons his Elvis jumpsuit, hand-sewn by Acrobatic Annie. In his jumpsuit, he is invincible.

With Adnan by her side, so is Annie.

Also, don't miss Mighty Mom. A single mother to four children, Mighty Mom is a Zumba instructor by day and a crime-fighting, unconditional-loving superhero by night. She has overcome many obstacles and many bad guys in the fight to give her daughter, Kailey Lynn, the fullest life possible (like so many of our superheroes).

If you come out to the event on Saturday, you can see Acrobatic Annie, Mighty Mom and more – including Papa Volador, Super Dad and The Deputy. See them showcase their powers of flight, but even better, support a nonprofit that means the world to them and to their children.

Interested in donating to one of our superheroes or learning more about the event, call (706) 769-9333 or visit our website.