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A young girl who survived the Robb Elementary School mass shooting will be a huge part of Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa’s return to Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, Houston-based media outlets reported.
Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that the Correa Family Foundation (CFF) designated Mayah Zamora its August Hero of the Month.
According to KTRK, Zamora sustained multiple gunshot wounds and required over 20 operations, to which her doctors said that it was a miracle she pulled through.
The girl was discharged from the hospital following a 66-day stay last month and will throw the ceremonial first pitch before Correa’s first game back in Houston since the 2021 World Series.
CFF hailed Zamora in a statement for her independence and drive, per Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.
"Before the shooting, Mayah had been nominated by one of her teachers for the student council,” the nonprofit organization said. “She was a member of the robotics club and remained an Honor Roll student the entire year. She participated in softball, soccer, gymnastics and basketball, going on to win the championship trophy with her team, the Lady Spurs. Those who know her describe her as a people person who is incredibly kind and always willing to lend a helping hand."
While Zamora’s departure from the hospital was a cause for celebration, the girl learned that the alleged gunman who took the lives of 19 students and two teachers lived not too far from her home, which made it uneasy for her to return.
KHOU reported that Correa, who recently became a new father, partnered with Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny and the recording artist’s Good Bunny Foundation to make sure Zamora and her family have a brand-new home in a location she finds suitable.
According to the station, the Houston Astros worked with their former star, who signed with Minnesota in March, to ensure a memorable experience for Zamora.
“We are thrilled to have so many friends and collaborators who are willing to come together and help us provide this gift to Mayah and her family,” Correa said, per KHOU. “I could never begin to imagine everything she has gone through, and we feel that this is one thing we could do to try to alleviate some of her pain. I’m thankful to both teams for being a part of this effort.”
KTRK reported that Zamora’s parents, siblings and extended family will join her at the game, the first of three between the Astros and the Twins.
Aside from taking the mound, Zamora will attend batting practice and receive Astros memorabilia, the station reported.
The Astros have lent a helping hand to the Uvalde community since the tragedy at Robb, sending representatives to the grief-stricken city of nearly 16,000 for a day of fun and camaraderie and hosting hundreds at their Aug. 14 game against the Oakland Athletics.