Amy Faltot, at right, shows the calendar Youngstown boy Connor Krashoff, 10, will appear in dressed as Batman in 2021. Connor sits on his dad's lap.

YOUNGSTOWN — Ten-year-old Connor Krashoff has always loved superheroes and was chosen recently to be featured dressed as Batman in the Superheroes Believe in Miracles 2021 calendar.

Connor, along with his parents, Melissa and Thomas, and siblings, Juliana, Sawyer, Barrett and Angelina, gathered outside their Upland Avenue home Sunday, where Amy Faltot, president of Superheroes Believe in Miracles, presented a calendar, several photos, a photo album, a star on the “Walk of Fame,” and other items to Connor for being selected to be featured as Batman in June 2021.

A special red carpet was placed at the front door and front walkway for a Hollywood treatment, with Faltot bringing her crew of “papparazi” holding signs and cameras for the special recognition.

Connor has FOXG1 mutation, which is a rare neuro-developmental disorder, and epilepsy. The family said his illness has caused symptoms similar to cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Faltot said Connor is the only child from the Mahoning Valley featured in the calendar, with other children featured from the Pittsburgh area and parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

“When you first meet Connor you see his infectious smile. He cannot help but smile when he is around. He loves music. He is the definition of a hero. Getting to know Connor and his family has filled my heart,” Faltot said at the presentation.

Faltot was able to get a signature from Connor for her copy of the calendar.

Melissa Krashoff said her son loves all the superheroes.

“His favorite is Captain America,” said Juliana, 7, of her older brother.

Faltot said the organization was looking for superheroes who could come to the Pittsburgh area where Connor receives treatments.

”The calendar showcases children who are battling any type of illness and who are the real life superheroes,” she said.

Faltot said Connor got into the Batman costume and was photographed.

“He posed for different photos and did the best when he was out of his chair. We had to be a little creative. His sister was so wonderful in helping. Since he loves music she played a little piano instrument during the photo shoot, which got him moving and got his attention,” she said.

Juliana said “It was really cool that he got picked for the calendar. I like all the pictures of all of us with Connor.”

Faltot said the entire family helped at the photo shoot.

She said the last section of the calendar showcases all the children in the calendar in one large collage.

Faltot brought her two children, Anderson and Alexis Faltot, and her friend, Donna Rittman, to serve as the paparazzi and hold signs and cameras.

Faltot said the idea for the calendar started when her son, Anderson, was in the hospital when he was a baby.

“He was very young when he was in the hospital. No matter what any of these children are going through and no matter what they face, they go through it with a smile and the grace of a superhero,” she said.

Melissa said her family and friends are all excited and she has an order of 20 for the calendars.

Superheroes Believe in Miracles is a nonprofit that empowers children facing illness, disability, or limitations to recognize and embrace their inner superhero, as part of their mission. Each year, Superheroes Believe in Miracles hosts plenty of fundraisers and events and sends out birthday packages to these superheroes. This year, 13 local superheroes are being featured in the calendar, and they get to dress up and be photographed as their favorite superhero for the calendar.

Each calendar is available for purchase for $10 plus $7 shipping, if mailed. You can order calendar at www.superheroesbelieveinmiracles.com.