MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A parade of compassion rumbled up Hall Avenue in Meriden on Tuesday in honor of a 7-year-old girl.
A steady stream of police cars, fire trucks, and public works trucks with lights and sirens took over the street around 11 a.m. in honor of Sophia Quinones, a little girl with health issues who only wishes to have a friend.
“She felt so alone, so this outcome, I don’t even know what to say like I’m so happy that Meriden came together,” said Gianna, Sophia’s mom.
At first blush, she may seem completely fine. But, in her young life, she has endured more than most can imagine. Organs that don’t work properly or ones she doesn’t have. And through it all, she asked for just one simple thing – a friend.
“I want everyone to know that I really appreciate it,” Sophia said.
Because of her medical issues, the world outside has been a distant dream for Sophia. For the last seven years, she has missed out, never being able to attend school or make friends because she’s never been well enough.
Then, one day, Sophia connected with Meriden Police Officer Stephanie Masella.
“I’ve been looking forward to this because I know how upset she’s been and crying all morning to just show her to turn that frown upside down,” Masella said.
Masella introduced Sophia to John, who is the Meriden Police Department’s therapy dog.
Masella had an idea after hearing about Sophia’s story. She wanted to unite the whole community, so police, firefighters, and public works employees all participated in a parade with lights and sirens for Sophia. They also signed a good luck card for her because she is having her 13th surgery on Wednesday.
“I think this is going to give her the motivation to fight,” Gianna said, adding that her daughter dreams of becoming a police officer one day like Masella.