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Friends celebrate with the 16-year-old, who has spina bifida and is paralyzed. Her family visits today with presents.
By WAVENEY ANN MOORE
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 8, 2001
ST. PETERSBURG -- Today Desiree Walton is Sweet 16.
Friends threw a surprise party on Friday, and today she will get presents from her father and sisters.
Like many teenagers, Desi, as she is best known, likes listening to music and visiting with friends.
Her room reflects her tastes. There are four posters of the Backstreet Boys. Stuffed animals sit on shelves, along with a few Barbie dolls. A notice board displays family photographs.
In keeping with Desi's love for country music, Friday's celebration had a country and western theme. And there was cake.
But Desi, who has lived in a hospital for about four years, couldn't have any.
Still, the teenager who smiles constantly had fun.
"She just enjoys the attention," said Pam Caruthers, director of pediatric services at the former Vencor Hospital, now Kindred Hospital Bay Area -- St. Petersburg, 3030 Sixth St. S.
Desi has spina bifida, a congenital defect of the spinal column that has left her paralyzed. She uses a special wand, attached to a hat, to draw, paint and use a computer. She also has a chin switch to change channels and the volume on her television set.
Desi relies on a ventilator to breathe. Her vocal cords no longer function. Relatives, friends and hospital staff read her lips to understand what she says.
"She is pretty patient with communication," Mrs. Caruthers said last week after Desi determinedly repeated what she wanted to say.
What does she like most about turning 16?
"Surprises," she said, with a broad smile.
And "hair stuff," preferably in pink, red and orange, would be fun presents, she said. Dresses, too.
Today her father, Dale Walton Jr., will drive from Summerfield, south of Ocala, to deliver a dress and new family photographs.
Walton's fiancee and Desi's sisters, Dreama Jean, 20, and Heather Ashley, 18, will accompany him.
Divorced from Desi's mother, who lives in North Carolina, Walton said he cared for Desi for five years.
"At one time, I had 16 hours' nursing care, and I watched her eight hours a day," he said.
"I had a little go-cart, and I would take her in that. I took her horseback riding. I would strap her on and take her on a ride. Between my brother and me, we tried to make her feel she was like the other ones. She liked farm life.
"She's a sweetheart."