TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The first thing you notice about Emmalyn Rowan is her boundless energy and joy.
Though the five-year-old is bright and happy now, her family says it wasn't always easy for her.
Emmaline was born with multiple congenital heart defects and underwent her first surgery on the second day of her life, before undergoing a heart transplant in 2021.
“It's been hard. It's been a rollercoaster ride, ups and downs, back and forth, changing direction,” said Emmaline's mother, Nicole Rowan. “But at the time you just don't think about it and you find a way to survive and fight through it just like Emmaline did.”
Nicole said now that the family has made it through a difficult time and a lengthy hospital stay, they're focused on making new memories together.
Family members, including Emmalyn's father and two brothers, visited Fifth Third Field, where nonprofit organizations Casey Cares Foundation and Amps Cares have partnered with the Mud Hens for a special day on the field.
“I love baseball when I hit the ball, and that's what I do,” Emmaline said.
Her dream of playing on the field came true when the umpire set up a tee for her and allowed Emmaline to take a swing on the field.
“She was really excited to show us she could spin the baseball, throw it and catch it,” umpire Chris Marco said. “At one point she even tried to dribble it like a basketball. When we showed her the umpire's signals, she was so happy… Her favorite was probably when she ran the bases at the end.”
Emmaline loves sports, from baseball to basketball, and Nicole said she picked up that hobby from her siblings.
Nicole said she is focused on continuing to live happily with her family and thanked everyone who has given her such a positive experience on the field.
“They've given her positive memories and given us the time we needed to recover from being away in the hospital for so long, and we're so grateful,” Nicole said of the Casey Cares Foundation.
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