“Good Morning America” helped a U.S. Navy father, who missed two of his daughter’s birthdays due to deployment, throw his daughter a “do-over” birthday party at Great Lakes Naval Base on Tuesday.
Cody Hartman missed his daughter Emma’s sixth and seventh birthdays due to his deployment as a first-class petty officer in the United States Navy.
ABC’s Good Morning America featured the story in honor of Military Appreciation Month, which takes place in May.
Emma, who loves twirling and playing princess, is “full of life,” her mother said on GMA.
Hartman, who was deployed at the beginning of the pandemic, teamed up with non-profit organization USO along with Good Morning America for a Disney Princess-themed celebration.
The magical celebration took place at the USO Great Lakes Center in Lake County on Tuesday.
Hartman said on GMA that it was hard to miss Emma’s birthday two years in a row.
Emma’s favorite princess is Ariel from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Ariel appeared by video and greeted Emma at the party with a personalized message.
Emma was given cake, toys and a decorated area filled with balloons and other decorations to celebrate.
“This makes up for daddy not being home for two of my birthdays. Thank you GMA for redoing my birthday!” Emma said at the party.