🌱Heart Transplant Patient Starts Kindergarten +Playing Great Football

Good morning, everybody. It's Sunday in Avon-Avon Lake and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Hope you all have a great day.

First, today's weather:

Not as warm with a shower. High: 75 Low: 64.

Here are the top three stories in Avon-Avon Lake today:

1. Five-year-old Emma Detwiler's journey began when she was just three days old. According to a WKYC.com article, "she was diagnosed with heart failure and there were far too many times when doctors didn't think she'd survive. In February of 2017, Emma received a heart transplant. It saved her life. It hasn't been an easy road, as the first year of her life was spent in the hospital. And, she still copes with a number of health and learning challenges. Last week, something extraordinary happened: Emma started kindergarten! Her mom and dad fought hard for her to be at school. They want Emma to learn to love her differences, and for other kids to embrace them. If there's any lesson here, it's that tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Emma's family is forever grateful to her donor's heart, which allows her to live today. (WKYC.com)
2. It's a sad time for Avon Lake resident Julie Koenig and her family who are mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. According to a Cleveland 19 News article, "Koenig said, “Everyone’s really sad I grew up about 120 miles from London." To help alleviate some of her feelings of being homesick for her residence across the pond, Koenig has been filling her Avon Lake home with memorabilia showcasing the royal family for years. She moved to the states 19 years ago. For now, Koenig is staying in touch with family and friends in the UK to make this difficult time easier for her thousands of miles away in Ohio. Koenig said of the queen,
   “She’s just always been there, and she’s always just been a steady guiding light for everyone." (Cleveland 19 News)
3. "Congratulations to the Avon Eagles on their victory over the Avon Lake Shoremen and taking home the Avon Lions Club Silver Rail Rivalry trophy," the Avon Lions Club Facebook post read. "It was another great game and both teams played outstanding football." (Avon Lions Club via Facebook)

From my notebook:

• Cleveland Clinic: "After a cancer diagnosis and life-threatening bout with COVID-19, Craig wondered if he'd ever be able to bike again. This year marks his fourth @bikevelosano. Here's how he's regained his strength to ride 50 miles for cancer research." (Cleveland Clinic via Instagram)
• Support Avon Schools: "Thank you to everyone who donated to the SOUPer Bowl. The CRS food pantry will be stocked! Both communities are winners. Congrats Eagles! We keep the trophy!" (Support Avon Schools via Facebook)
• Support Avon Schools: "Grateful we have such a strong partnership/relationship with the city to be able to do a project like these tennis courts - pickle ball courts that are now playable. They look amazing!!! #AvonRelationshipsMatter" (Support Avon Schools via Facebook)
• FIDO's Companion Rescue Inc.: "No words can describe the stress I feel managing all the sick dogs in our care. Ella is back at the vets unable to walk from her ravaging skin infection and resultant swollen feet. Her poor body condition continues despite all the medication." (FIDO's Companion Rescue Inc. via Facebook)
• Avon Lake City Schools: "Today is Grandparent's Day! Thank you to all our AL grandparents!" (Avon Lake City Schools via Facebook)
• Avon Lake Athletic Boosters: "If you attended tonight’s game and bought a 50/50 ticket, we’re still holding this for the winner! Winner must have original ticket stub to claim cash prize." (Avon Lake Athletic Boosters via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Absolute Dance Company —
• Add your business here

Events:

• FREE Square Dance Lessons!!! (September 12)
• Woodstock Rave (September 16)
• Clean Water Fest (September 17)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a native of Connecticut, who currently resides in the Tri-Town community of Chester, Deep River and Essex. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my small town community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Avon-Avon Lake Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com