Resilience is part of the DNA in agriculture, but there’s a massive difference when the adversity being faced is away from the farm and involves a loved one.

Grower James Rickert and his wife Casey faced such adversity when their young daughter Emersyn contracted Hemolytic-uremic syndrome caused by E.coli.

Earlier this year, Emersyn battled through a multi system shutdown, kidney failure, coma, seizures, neurological complications, a collapsed lung and multiple infections.

After 10 weeks in the hospital, Emersyn is home and vastly improved. She started her first day in kindergarten and even had a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Rickert family hopes Emersyn’s courage will inspire others facing huge life challenges.

“She’s my hero, and I don’t know how she does what she does every day,” Casey said. “She’s still processing the trauma in her own way. Nothing phases this kid. She is defying the odds after what she went through.”

“I look at life differently,” James said. “I realize that every day with my family is special. I have never appreciated it as much as I do today.”

Emersyn continues her recovery and recently made a Gingerbread house with a horse on top. She also put her Christmas request in to Santa Claus for a tiny dog.