11-Year-Old Valrico Girl Touched Many Lives

Following a short battle with a deadly virus, 11-year-old Darien Reese Engelberger of Valrico died Saturday, leaving behind memories of a vivacious little girl who loved dancing, basketball and helping others.

A benefit to raise funds for her medical expenses had been planned for Sunday, Sept. 11, at D'Amico Hair Lounge, 1923 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon. The fundraiser, a cut-athon, will now be held in her memory from noon to 5 p.m. The donation is $25 for haircuts with an additional $5 donation for a blow dry.

"The family is just devastated," said Darien's aunt, Mary Kate Owens. "She was such a wonderful little girl."

Up until July, Owens said her niece was a typical active and healthy child.

"I was at her basketball practice at the YMCA on July 29," said Owens. "Two hours later I received a text message from my sister saying that they were taking Darien to the ER because her heart rate was very high."

Over the next two days Darien was transferred to two hospitals before being admitted into the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg July 31. There, she was diagnosed with a life-threatening virus (human Parvovirus) that was attacking her heart. She underwent five open heart-surgeries and numerous procedures.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the human parvovirus occurs mostly in children and affects only humans. In rare instances, it can cause cardiomyopathy, a thickening or enlarging of the heart muscle.

Darien leaves behind her parents, Deana and Eric, and a little sister, Avery.

"Being an aunt to Darien and Avery is the most important role I play in life. They taught me so much about the world," said Owens. "Perhaps most importantly, Darien taught me to lead by example. Darien did so much volunteering in her young life and was already a proven leader. She demonstrated compassion and caring by working with her Girl Scout troop on numerous projects throughout the year."

In June, the Limona Elementary School student went on a trip to Washington, D.C., as part of the People to People World Leadership Forum where she had a chance to meet former First Lady Laura Bush."

Owens called her niece "the most inspiring person I have ever had the honor of knowing." Owens said the little girl embodied the meaning of happiness, love, and life with her innocence, love of people and animals and her innate curiosity and love of learning.

"Darien didn't just see the world with her eyes; she saw it with her heart,"

Owens went on to thank everyone who offered their prayers and support during this difficult time as well as the "amazingly gifted and loving nurses and doctors" at All Children's Hospital.

For those unable to attend the cut-athon, contributions can be sent directly to the family: 4209 Jade Lane, Valrico, FL 33594.