Why We Walk: Sophia Resti’s Story

6-Year-Old Moriches Girl to Help Lead Walk for St. Mary’s Kids on May 19

Six-year-old Sophia Resti is as cute as a doll. This gregarious little dynamo is a cross between Chatty Cathy and the most delicate, fragile porcelain doll. The former, because she loves to chat with everyone around her. The latter, because she has a congenital bone disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. “Sophia was born with broken bones from head to toe,” recalls her mother Cathy.

Sophia requires oxygen to help her underdeveloped lungs breathe and uses an adaptive stroller to get around. She learned to sit up only about a year ago.

Yet despite her numerous challenges, Sophia rises above it all. Literally. She is just about ready to stand up for the first time in her life. Sophia recently underwent two surgeries to strengthen her legs with rods and is starting to bear weight on them. This is a giant step for Sophia and the entire Resti family. “Some doctors said she wasn’t going to make it. She has proven a lot of people wrong,” a very grateful Cathy remarks. “We call her our sunshine and she truly brightens our world.”

Sophia attends kindergarten, loves music and all things sparkly – to match her sparkling personality. “She is only 2 feet tall with a larger than life personality,” beams her mom. She attends a dance class with other children with special needs and is looking forward to performing a special hip hop number at her recital next month.

To help her meet these incredible milestones, Sophia has been receiving home healthcare services from St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children since she was a baby. Her nurse coordinates her care to make sure Sophia receives the services she needs to be her best. Sophia regularly receives a complement of physical, occupational, and speech therapies at home or at school.

In recognition of Sophia’s achievements, she has been named a Grand Marshal for the Walk for St. Mary’s Kids to be held at Belmont Park in Elmont on May 19th. Sophia and her family will help lead the Walk to raise funds and awareness for children with special needs. Come out and support Sophia! Visit the Walk website to learn more. https://www.stmaryskids.org/walk2013.