Mia Bella Zingarelli died on September 1 at Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston, in her mother’s arms. Mia Bella was born with a rare metabolic disorder, known as PDH deficiency. She was 7.
Mia Bella was born on February 10, 2007, at Stony Brook University Medical Center, where she spent the first two months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit, before being transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital and the care of Dr. Gerard Berry, head of the pediatric metabolism program.
Once Mia Bella was well enough to finally come home, the family opted to stay in Newton, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, so that Mia Bella could continue to receive care from Children’s Hospital.
Despite all odds, Mia Bella thrived and her strong spirit grew, inspiring all who were lucky enough to be a part of her life, survivors said. She loved spending time with her parents, Francesca Buffo of Northport and Bridgehampton, and Noah Zingarelli of East Hampton. She attended the Campus School at Boston College, where she loved learning, and she enjoyed listening to music, going for walks outside and cuddling with her mom and her binky on the couch.
Mia had a true lust for life, survivors said, and never let her disabilities limit her enjoyment of everything her parents, teachers and caregivers shared with her. Her only wish was to be accepted and loved, and she received both in kind.
In addition to her parents, Mia Bella is survived by her grandparents, Martha and Jerry Buffo of Bridgehampton, Michael and Marilyn Zingarelli of Southampton, and Donna Zingarelli of East Hampton.
A memorial service will be held at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Bridgehampton on Sunday, September 14, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to a memorial fund set up by the family, gofundme.com/miracleformia.
More about Mia’s life can be read on the family’s blog, www.zingoswest.blogspot.com.
on Sep 8, 2014