Indio Unveils Mural Honoring Local Girl Who Inspired Cancer Foundation

The City of Indio will unveil a new public mural this morning at Loma Linda Children's Hospital in Downtown Indio, honoring the life of Desirae "Desi" Ava Grace Cechin, a young Indio girl who battled Stage IV High-Risk Neuroblastoma cancer.

The mural, created by artist Patrick Barwinski, features augmented reality technology that allows the piece to animate through viewers' smartphones, making it one of the first of its kind in the valley.

The ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. at 82934 Civic Center Drive.

Desi's fight with cancer inspired her family to found the Desi Strong Foundation, an organization that supports children and families navigating the same reality Desi's family lived through, including helping cover hospital stays, food, gas, and other expenses that pile up during treatment.

The city welcomes the community to attend and celebrate what it called "a meaningful and beautiful addition" to Indio.