A video posted online showing the emotional moment a 10-year-old girl with a rare birth defect receiving a doll with a prosthetic leg has gone viral.
Courtney and Justin Bennett of Cypress, Texas, posted the video of their daughter, Emma, opening package containing the customized American Girl doll on Facebook on Wednesday, and it has since received more 113,00 shares and 11 million views.
WATCH:Raw video of girl receiving doll with prosthetic leg
The doll was made by A Step Ahead Prosthetics, a company that specializes in after-market alterations to dolls.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Emma is heard saying, before the excitement turns to tears.
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After ripping the doll from the package, Emma hugs and holds the doll close to her chest before inspecting the doll’s leg.
“It’s got a leg like me,” a teary-eyed Emma yells with excitement. “Thank you for making a doll like me,” she adds.
READ MORE: Alberta students help send 3D-printed prosthetic hands to Third World kids
A letter accompanying the toy described the doll as being “ready to live her life without limitations,” something Emma’s dad says describes his daughter’s attitude.
“She’s like any other child,” Justin Bennett told KHOU. “She swims. She’s in soccer, cheerleading, volleyball.”
Courtney Bennett said her daughter has always wished for a doll that looked like her, but struggled to describe the emotion of finally being able to make Emma’s dream come true.
“There are no words,” shed said. “There are no words.”
Emma’s parents hope the video’s popularity will convince toy manufacturers to produce dolls that reflect a wider range of girls and their abilities.
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