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Kryptonite Within

by Eric Aquino | January 27, 2026

About Eric Aquino

Eric Aquino is a first-generation American born to parents who emigrated from the Dominican Republic. He grew up in Jersey City in a large, close-knit family. From a young age, Eric was drawn to helping others, often being called upon to assist and translate for family members.

After initially wanting to become a lawyer, Eric earned a bachelor's degree in Information Technology, but he remained committed to helping people. In 2002 he began volunteering as an EMT. This experience ignited Eric's passion, and he knew he wanted to pursue a career in emergency services.

In 2018, at age 40, Eric was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Determined to help others facing the same challenges, he founded the Stay Strong Foundation that fall. Over the next six years, Eric started three support groups, hosted three symposiums, presented a poster at the World Parkinson's Congress in Barcelona, and participated on panels at various symposiums--all with the mission of helping people with Parkinson's move forward with their lives.

Every time he shifts from Clark to cape,
there’s a tremor he can’t escape.

The body fights what used to flow.
What used to be as easy breathing
is now a struggle riddled with
panic and anxiety

He tries to figure it out.
Reporter brain kicks in,
investigates his own decline
“like it’s a case he can crack.

Despite having the wisdom and knowledge of krypton at his fingertips
All he has is questions with a no answer too

The phone rings.
Someone needs Superman.
But his hands shake
and he can’t even lift the call.

They watch him fail.
The disappointment
cuts deeper than kryptonite ever did.

You can’t punch your way out clean
when your own body is the crime scene.

Superman dies.
Clark remains.

Between the unsteady pace,
And the quiet tremors he must face,
he learns to be

The new Clark isn’t the old Superman.
And maybe that’s okay.

Maybe the hero isn’t the cape.
Maybe it’s just showing up
as whoever you are now.

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