A true survivor: Heart surgery survivor throws pitch

Blake Camus, 9, throws a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Everett AquaSox game against the Spokane Indians at Funko Field in Everett May 31 in honor of being a survivor of childhood heart disease.

Blake Camus, 9, throws a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Everett AquaSox game against the Spokane Indians at Funko Field in Everett May 31 in honor of being a survivor of childhood heart disease.
Photo by Evan Morud, supplied by Everett AquaSox

Blake Camus, 9, throws a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Everett AquaSox game against the Spokane Indians at Funko Field in Everett May 31 in honor of being a survivor of childhood heart disease.
Camus, of Tumwater, was born with several heart defects, and has survived three open heart surgeries, according to the American Heart Association, which arranged the AquaSox visit.
Additionally, Avery Hultz, 9, of Olympia, was featured as the “Fan of the Game.” Avery was treated for a heart condition brought on by Kawasaki disease when she was two years old. Medication worked and she returned to having an active life. Both Blake and Avery are Youth Heart Ambassadors with the American Heart Association in Washington state.