Mia Bella Buffo-Zingarelli is truly a miracle.
With a sixth birthday coming this February, the five-year-old has already surpassed all expectations. Born with a very rare, severe mitochondrial disorder, Mia was given just a month to live. But with her parents – East Hampton native Noah and Francesca, originally from Northport – she has thrived, developing limited sight, hearing, some hand dexterity and is able to participate in the special needs kindergarten program at Boston College.
She is the oldest living patient to survive with the disease, according to Francesca.
“She fights every day to be here with us and is such a happy little girl,” said Francesca in an interview from the family’s Boston home, where they relocated after Mia’s birth in order to be close to Boston Children’s Hospital.
On Saturday, December 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. a benefit will be held for the Buffo-Zingarelli family at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church on Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton. All proceeds will benefit the family, which is raising money to afford a $40,000 wheelchair accessible van to accommodate Mia’s wheelchair, which she recently grew into. Cocktails, music and a raffle will be held and donations will be accepted at the door.
Those interested in Mia’s story or making a donation to the family can do so by visiting their website, www.zingoswest.blogspot.com
Mia Bella Buffo-Zingarelli is truly a miracle.
With a sixth birthday coming this February, the five-year-old has already surpassed all expectations. Born with a very rare, severe mitochondrial disorder, Mia was given just a month to live. But with her parents – East Hampton native Noah and Francesca, originally from Northport – she has thrived, developing limited sight, hearing, some hand dexterity and is able to participate in the special needs kindergarten program at Boston College.
She is the oldest living patient to survive with the disease, according to Francesca.
“She fights every day to be here with us and is such a happy little girl,” said Francesca in an interview from the family’s Boston home, where they relocated after Mia’s birth in order to be close to Boston Children’s Hospital.
On Saturday, December 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. a benefit will be held for the Buffo-Zingarelli family at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church on Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton. All proceeds will benefit the family, which is raising money to afford a $40,000 wheelchair accessible van to accommodate Mia’s wheelchair, which she recently grew into. Cocktails, music and a raffle will be held and donations will be accepted at the door.
Those interested in Mia’s story or making a donation to the family can do so by visiting their website, www.zingoswest.blogspot.com
on Dec 4, 2012