Daniel “Doc” Jacobs

Doc is a decorated U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class (Ret.), veteran advocate, author, and elite adaptive athlete whose life is defined by resilience and service. After losing both legs in combat in Iraq in 2006, he became the first amputee in Naval history to return to a deployable infantry unit and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and the Purple Heart.

Since retiring from the Navy in 2012, Doc has become an accomplished Paralympic athlete, completing multiple half marathons, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro twice, competing in sitting volleyball and bobsledding for Team USA, and playing sled hockey for the San Diego Ducks. He continues serving veterans through battlefield recovery missions, legislative advocacy, and his memoir, There and Back Again: Stories from a Combat Navy Corpsman, while also writing his first fiction trilogy. Honored as the 2022 DAV Outstanding Veteran of the Year and recipient of the Tommy Lasorda Veteran of the Year Award, Doc is a proud father whose mission is to inspire and advocate for veterans, people with disabilities, and anyone overcoming adversity.

Videos: Introducing Doc | Doc Joins the Team at Home Opener

Emma Melin

Emma embodies courage and dedication in her mission to make a difference in the allergy community. Her journey began at just nine days old, when she experienced the first of many emergency room visits caused by life-threatening food allergies—including five severe anaphylactic reactions that stopped her breathing. Thanks to her mom, Rose, and the swift actions of medical professionals, Emma's life was saved time and again.

At just six years old, Emma made it her mission to help others like her. Affectionately known as “Allergic Emma,” she hosts an annual Food Allergy Meetup and proudly serves as an ambassador for several allergy-awareness organizations. Most recently, she joined the Ducks Learn Her Way program, continuing to inspire the community and prove that food allergies don’t have to stand in the way of doing what you love.

Videos: Introducing Emma | Emma Joins Team at Home Opener

Trent Sullivan

A longtime Ducks fan and true miracle, Trent celebrated our 30th Anniversary season as 21st Duck while also celebrating a milestone of his own - the 30th anniversary of his heart transplant. Born on July 9, 1993, Trent's health journey began immediately with a diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot and a subsequent infant heart transplant at five months old. Despite undergoing heart and kidney transplants, a pacemaker implant, chemotherapy, and numerous surgeries, Trent persevered with a positive outlook and a commitment to helping children and families facing similar challenges.

Trent's selflessness was evident in his dedication to many local charitable organizations especially Grants Wishes, a nonprofit created by his family in honor of his brother, Grant, who passed away from childhood cancer in 2002.

Video: Trent Surprised by Teemu Selanne at Ducks game

Ethan Baroldi

Ethan has battled through four heart surgeries, the first coming at six weeks old, and the most recent in 2020. 

Passionate about hockey, Ethan began skating at The Rinks - Anaheim ICE at age six as part of the Ducks Learn to Play program. He is now a member of the Jr. Ducks.

Ethan inspires those around him by not letting his early health diagnosis define who he is, and he is proud to share the story of his scars to educate his friends and teammates.

Video: Ethan Meets his Favorite Team | Video: Ethan Announces the Starting Lineup | 21st Duck, Longtime Fan Form Special Bond Over Unique Medical Journeys

Luke Gane

Luke battled severe aplastic anemia while in high school, requiring a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy. He has gone on to serve his community by becoming a special education teacher and uses his experience to inspire CHOC patients. He is also a supporter and advocate for the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation (AAMDS).

Videos: A Special Surprise for Luke | Luke Honored on Opening Night

Angelique Fong

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Angelique tackled her diagnosis with bravery and determination. Turning her journey into an opportunity to help others, Fong created her "Radiate Kindness" initiative with 33 random acts of kindness, one for each of her radiation treatments.

Video: Angelique's story

Lera Doederlein

Lera is a double-above-knee amputee living her best life and leading the way with her enthusiasm, courage and advocacy for adaptive sports.
Video: Lera's story | Lera on Opening Night

Michael Lu

Michael has taken his 21st Duck experience to grow his advocacy for Parkinson's disease awareness through the Parkinson's Resource Organization and the search to find a cure.
Michael's story | Michael on Opening Night

Katie Hawley

Katie continues to inspire us all in her battle against cancer and work with the Jessie Rees Foundation.
Katie on Opening Night

Kai Quinonez

Kai has shown tremendous courage in his successful fight against aplastic anemia while not giving up his dream to play hockey.
Kai's story