Indio Unveils “Desi Memorial Mural” Honoring Young Cancer Fighter

The Indio community gathered to unveil a new public art installation honoring the life of a young girl whose courage inspired many.

The Desi Memorial Mural was revealed at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital along Civic Center Drive.

The mural honors Desirae Ava Grace Cechin, an Indio resident who died in 2016 at just six years old after battling Stage IV cancer. Her fight inspired the creation of the Desi Strong Foundation, which supports children and families facing cancer.

Created by artist Patrick Barwinski, the mural features a mixed-media element that allows viewers to interact with the artwork through their smartphones. Using augmented reality, parts of the mural come to life, including animated butterflies.

Desi’s mother said the unveiling brought both emotional and meaningful moments for her family as the community continues to celebrate her daughter’s legacy.

She hopes that children leaving the hospital will see the mural’s bright colors and message of resilience and feel a sense of hope, a reminder of the strength they already carry.