Perched on the corner of the Active Life Chiropractic's roof in Mount Juliet, Batman waived to passing cars Tuesday.
“Batman is the only superhero without a super power and I guess, in turn, that’s what I am to the children who need us most.” the superhero said.
The man beneath the mask is Keith Edmonds, the founder of the Keith Edmonds Foundation, which helps victims of child abuse. It's a topic that is extremely close to Edmonds heart.
“When I was 14-months-old my face was held to an electric heater at the hands of, at the time, my mom’s boyfriend,” he explained.
Edmonds spent his life in and out of hospitals and surgeries, then turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. It wasn't until his mid 30's when his life changed for the better.
“That was a conversation I had with God, I just asked for help,” said Edmonds.
“Over 50 percent of my face was burned,” he explained. “It’s a constant reminder for me to give forgiveness to a man that changed my life forever.”
Now he shares his story with other child abuse victims. “I wanted to be involved in the children’s lives and shorten their transition time from child abuse victim to child abuse survivor,” said Edmonds.
On giving Tuesday, with a goal to raise $12,000 in 12 hours, Edmonds camped out on the roof, bringing attention and awareness.
With help from his wife, Kelly, and social media posts by 1 p.m. they had already reached $5,000, that money will go directly into the foundation.
“The outpour from the community has just been overwhelming,” said Kelly.
If you'd like to help visit the Keith Edmonds' Foundation web site.
