New Bedford Mini Miracle Was a Beautiful Flower Girl at Hasbro Children’s Hospital

We first learned about New Bedford’s Talia DaSilva during the Holiday Wish program at the end of 2021. She was selected as WBSM’s Mini Miracle due to the fact that she has a rare genetic mutation, which takes a toll on her whole family.

Because of her condition, Talia has a full-time home nurse named Kaitlyn DeSousa. She and Talia have grown very close over the years and Talia’s mom, Kathryn DaSilva, refers to DeSousa as Talia’s “Bestie.”

Like many engaged couples during the COVID-19 pandemic, DeSousa got married when restrictions were still in place and decided to host a reception at a later date when it was somewhat safer to gather in larger groups. The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, February 5, 2022.

“Well, I had joked with her that Talia should be her flower girl and hold a sign that read, ‘Jeremy, she is my girl and I'm not sharing,” DaSilva said. “She thought it was a great idea and later asked if Talia and my other daughter, Averyanna could be her flower girls. Of course, I said yes.”

The girls were very much looking forward to participating in the wedding until a medical issue interrupted their plans. Talia was admitted to Hasbro Children's Hospital in December and due to the progression of her disease, it was necessary for her to have a tracheotomy.

“The procedure requires Talia to be in the hospital for six to eight weeks following surgery,” DaSilva explained. “That meant that Talia was definitely going to miss the wedding. Kaitlyn understood but still wanted her bestie to feel special. So, she got her the fancy red dress.”

DaSilva wanted to do something nice for DeSousa since she and Talia have such a strong bond. She spoke with the attendings and Katie Lavalee, the Child Life Specialist in the PICU. They started a plan to have Talia walk down an “aisle” for DeSousa. Once getting approval, a date was set.

“Katie decorated the hallway while Talia’s nurse and I got her ready,” DaSilva said. “We asked the residents, nurses, and therapists if they would join in for their special girl to give them a flower. Never did I think it was going to turn out like this. I honestly couldn't ask for a better team to help me do this. They went above and beyond for us.”

The group recorded Talia’s walk and sent it to DeSousa, who will have the video played during the reception.

“The PICU team is our second family,” DaSilva said. “From the bottom of our heart, you will never understand how much you all mean to her and us!"