ANAHEIM — Even with the Ducks adding plenty of grit in recent years, the determination and persistence of a 9-year-old girl, Placentia’s Emma Melin, were welcome additions to the roster as she became the 21st Duck before Wednesday’s home opener.
Melin’s daunting list of food allergies has placed her in constant peril since the nascent stages of her life and she suffered the first of five anaphylactic reactions that stopped her breathing at 18 months old.
Instead of recoiling into the safety of isolation or squarely focusing on her own health, Melin and her mother Rose have become advocates for the tens of millions of Americans who have food allergies, including a rising number of children.
“Allergic Emma” has a presence on various social media platforms, with content that ranges from allergy-safe recipes, reviews of products that are allergy-conscientious, social commentary, tips for creating safer environments and more. Melin goes beyond the Web, hosting an annual food allergy awareness event and serving as an ambassador for multiple organizations that draw attention to the issue.
“I just love helping people, it makes me so happy that people love to watch my videos, that kids watch and that they can learn from me. I just love raising food-allergy awareness,” Emma said.
Rose Melin said one misconception that still had to be overcome was the potential severity of food allergies and a greater sensitivity to them among the public. Even minor adjustments to habits and environs could go a long way in preventing potentially fatal reactions.
“A lot of people hear the word ‘allergy’ and they think sneezing, itching, hives, which it certainly could be, but it also can be something deadly,” Rose said. “There’s a big difference between a minor reaction – she’s had hundreds, maybe thousands of minor reactions – but it could also turn into a life-threatening reaction.”
“We understand that if you don’t live it, you don’t get it, so that’s why spreading food allergy awareness is so important,” she added.
Emma has been outgoing socially, academically and athletically, too, participating in sports and even attending an Angels game earlier this year. A sprawling and, more importantly, peanut-free suite allowed her to take in a Halos victory in comfort and safety. She even removed the “peanuts and Crackerjacks” lyrics from “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch.
She’d also been on hand at Honda Center before, including when Ducks goaltender Lukáš Dostál flipped her a puck over the glass, winning her heart to become her favorite player.
It was Dostál who surprised Emma on the ice at her “Learn Her Way” session – she took up hockey about a year ago, adding to her growing list of undertakings – and informed her she was this season’s 21st Duck, an honor the team bestows on a fan who “embodies characteristics such as great perseverance, character, courage and inspiration.”
“It was crazy because I never thought this would happen. (My mom) was like, ‘I’m signing you up for this, but it’s probably not going to happen,’” Emma said.
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“My plan was to get tickets to the game tonight, the home opener, and when we saw whoever the 21st Duck was come out, I just wanted to tell her that I thought she was deserving of it and I wanted to let her know that I nominated her,” Rose chimed in. “Then she won and I couldn’t believe it.”
Though her first dash to the hospital came at just nine days old, Emma has been undeterred as she has pursued her passions and curiosities.
“I just told myself that I had to believe in myself and try my best to stay safe,” Emma said.
Emma walked the orange carpet to enter the arena on Wednesday, posing with family, friends, players and six previous 21st Duck honorees. She and her mother were both enthusiastic not only about the fun and fanfare, but about what their relationship with the Ducks could do for their cause.
“That’s been such a great part of this experience with the 21st Duck, not only is it awesome that Emma gets to enjoy all of this, but the Ducks have been so amazing at helping us spread food-allergy awareness,” Rose said. “They have told us they are going to continue to do that throughout the season, which is just such a blessing. We are so grateful.”