Photos: Emma's Day
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
A 6-year-old from Berne, Emma Detlefsen started her capitol adventure in the Assembly Chamber on Wednesday and then walked the long polished corridor, surrounded by a scrum of press. Lymphedema is a chronic, debilitating disease where fluid builds up in body tissue. “It is true,” said Senator John DeFrancisco (R, 50th District), “that good things do come in small packages.”
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Waiting: She sat between her brother and her mother until her moment in the spotlight.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
"She’s our superhero for the day,” said New York State Senator George Amedore (R, 46th District) as Emma Detlefsen, wearing a purple cape over her lavender dress, stands on Amedore’s chair in the Senate Chamber.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
In her cape and skirt, Detlefsen posed with her parents, Tiffany and Nicolas, for a portrait inside the capitol building.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
A girl with a team: Amedore praised Detlefsen for “her outstanding advocacy, support, and fundraising efforts for lymphedema awareness.” She and her team, “Emma’s Incredibles,” wore superhero capes at her request for their 2014 walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Born with lymphedema, she has “worked tirelessly,” despite hospitalizations, said the resolution passed by the Senate and read for her visit.