Hundreds of inspirational stories line the wall at the new Gallery of Hope at the Dolphin Tale exhibit, which debuted Friday at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
- Museum plans to add interactive center
- Star of movie attends exhibit launch
- Dolphin's story hits close to girl
One of them involves 11-year-old Annika Emmert. She was born without part of her arm.
"I would always come home to my mom, 'people are making fun of me,'" she said. "'What do I do?'"
About a year ago, while Anni was playing with Winter, one of the museum's dolphins, the museum surprised her with a 3D prosthetic arm.
"Winter had a hard time in her life," said Clearwater Marine Aquarium CEO David Yates. "She was stuck in a crab trap when she was young."
Winter's story hit close to home for Anni.
"I do feel like I connect with her, because everyone's different in their own special way," Anni said.
The museum had another surprise for Anni on Friday.
One of the stars from the movie, actress Cozi Zuehlsdorff, surprised Anni at the unveiling of the new exhibit.
"To be able to be, like, the point person for that and to be able to give them a big hug and encourage them is amazing," said the Dolphin Tale star.
With new letters coming in every day, the museum looks forward to expanding the exhibit. Future additions will include an interactive center where guests of the museum can add their stories when they visit.
"It makes me realize how many people are like me, and go through harder times than I am," Anni said.