EMT paramedics have always been frontline heroes every day—well before the pandemic hit neighborhoods across the world. And now this Virginia ambulance worker has an American Doll made in her image to prove it.
April O’Quinn was one of five national winners in the “Heroes with Heart” contest run by American Girl Dolls, following a nationwide call for nominations.
Of the thousands of nominations the Mattel company received, the one sent in by April’s niece was chosen to represent the best of the COVID-19 frontline heroes who have been risking their lives to help others.
Young Lacey lives in Texas, and she is always telling people about her Aunt April, who works for the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA).
Lacey told American Girl that her Aunt contracted the coronavirus—but even after her long recovery, she chose to return to RAA.
“She didn’t hesitate for a moment,” Lacey wrote on her contest submission, which was published by American Girl.
April got a phone call last month from Lacey with the exciting news.
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“Lacey was on the other side screaming that we had won! I was in shock,” April told WTVR news. “I had no words. I ended up crying because I couldn’t say anything.”
She got to watch via video chat as the girl opened her new doll after it came in the mail—and the likeness was pretty remarkable.
“The stars and brightness in her face and eyes were amazing,” said April.
The winners received a one-of-a-kind custom doll and outfit in their hero’s likeness and a $250 gift card.
“It’ll be something that neither one of us will ever forget. It’s a bond that I’ll hold with her forever,” April said of her niece Lacey.
In June, American Girl started selling an outfit for their dolls that inspires admiration for all the medical workers. Called the ‘Scrubs Outfit’, it includes pink scrub pants, a colorful nurses top, slip-on shoes and a matching fabric face mask.
WATCH the WTVR video below…
SHARE This Child’s Hero Tribute With Frontline Workers on Social Media…