ANAHEIM – While the Ducks have shown 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 squad as she became the 21st Ducks ahead of Wednesday's home opener.

Melin's daunting list of food allergies has put her in constant danger since the early days of her life and she suffered the first of five anaphylactic reactions that stopped her breathing when she was 18 months old.

Instead of retreating into the safety of isolation or focusing entirely on their own health, Melin and her mother Rose have become advocates for the tens of millions of Americans who suffer from food allergies, including a growing number of children.

Allergic Emma is present across various social media platforms, with content ranging from allergy-safe recipes to reviews of allergy-friendly products, social commentary, tips for creating safer environments and more. Melin goes beyond the internet, hosting an annual food allergy awareness event and serving as an ambassador for several organizations that raise awareness of the issue.

“I just love helping people. It makes me so happy that people enjoy watching my videos, that children watch and that they can learn from me. “I just love raising awareness about food allergies,” said Emma.

Rose Melin said a misconception that still needs to be overcome is the potential severity of food allergies and the population's greater sensitivity to them. Even minor adjustments in habits and environment could go a long way toward preventing potentially fatal reactions.

“Many people hear the word 'allergy' and think of sneezing, itching, hives, which certainly could be the case, but it can also be something fatal,” Rose said. “There's a big difference between a minor reaction – she's had hundreds, maybe thousands of minor reactions – but also a life-threatening reaction.”

“We understand that if you don’t live it, you don’t get it. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness about food allergies,” she added.

Emma was also outgoing socially, academically and athletically, participating in sports activities and even attending an Angels game earlier this year. An expansive and, more importantly, peanut-free suite allowed her to enjoy a Halos victory in comfort and safety. She even removed the “Peanuts and Crackerjacks” lyric from “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in the seventh inning.

She has also been to the Honda Center before, including when Ducks goaltender Lukáš Dostál threw a puck over the glass to her, winning her heart and becoming her favorite player.

It was Dostál who surprised Emma on the ice at her “Learn Her Way” session – she started playing hockey about a year ago, adding to her growing list of endeavors – and informed her that she was the 21st Duck of the season is, an honor the team bestows on a fan who “embodies qualities such as great perseverance, character, courage and inspiration.”

“It was crazy because I never thought something like this would happen. (My mom) was like, 'I'll sign you up for this, but it probably won't happen,'” Emma said.