At just 11 years old, Dalia Valle possesses a wisdom and strength that far exceeds her years. The young Toronto resident, who loves art, fashion, and dreams of becoming a nurse or scientist, has been a pillar of support for her older brother, Maverick, through an unimaginable health crisis.
A Life-Changing Day at School
The course of the Valle family's life shifted dramatically on January 27, 2023. During recess, Dalia noticed her brother Mavi alone in a snow fort, crying and complaining of a headache. Her quick action to bring him to the school office was the first step in a long medical journey. "He kept throwing up, and I was scared," Dalia recalls.
The situation escalated quickly. Her parents, Janna and Mario, rushed to the school with their two-month-old son, Salvador. Dalia was sent home with family friends under the guise of a simple doctor's appointment for Mavi, but the truth soon emerged over the phone: her brother was in the hospital.
The Overwhelming Reality of an AVM Rupture
Mavi had suffered a rupture of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain. The news was devastating.
"I remember crying myself to sleep," Dalia says of that first night, which she spent in her school uniform. The following day, she attended a friend's birthday party still in uniform, overwhelmed with emotion. For several months, her home life was upended. Her grandmother flew in from New Brunswick, while her parents and baby brother remained near SickKids Hospital.
It was a full month before Dalia could visit Mavi. "I remember being so scared to see him. I had no clue what he would look like," she admits. The sight was overwhelming—her brother surrounded by tubes and monitors. Yet, in that moment of fear, she made a conscious decision: "I tried to be strong for Mavi."
The Road to Recovery and a New Support System
After about two months and several surgeries, Mavi moved to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. This transition marked a positive shift for the entire family, especially Dalia. "They cared a lot more about siblings being involved," she notes, appreciating the opportunity to help with his feeding tube and therapy sessions.
A significant milestone came in August 2024, one year after his discharge from Holland Bloorview, when Mavi walked for the first time since his illness began. "It was really exciting and I was so proud!" Dalia exclaims.
Throughout this challenging journey, Variety Village, the inclusive sports centre in Scarborough, has become a sanctuary for the Valle family. "It's such an amazing place and I love that everyone can be involved," Dalia says. While Mavi participates in Volt Hockey and Challenger Baseball, Dalia and Salvador take swimming lessons.
A Sister's Unwavering Pride and Hope
Reflecting on her brother's ordeal, Dalia expresses profound admiration. "My brother is amazing. I am so proud of him. He's gone through so much, and he always pushes through no matter what."
Her wish for Mavi is simple yet profound: that he continues to improve to the point where he no longer needs his wheelchair or walker, and life can return to how it was before the AVM rupture.
The experience has undeniably shaped Dalia's character. "They say people with disabled siblings have more empathy and understanding of others," she observes. "It's true. We do know what it's like to care and to help."
Community Support Through the Sun Christmas Fund
The Valle family's story highlights the critical importance of community support systems like the Sun Christmas Fund, which helps children like Mavi access facilities like Variety Village to reach their full potential.
In a generous show of seasonal spirit, two anonymous donors have stepped forward to match all contributions to the fund through December 7, 2025, up to a maximum of $50,000. This matching campaign coincides with Giving Tuesday, amplifying the impact of every donation.
Recent donors to the fund, who have helped raise $58,297 to date, include individuals, families, and local businesses across the Greater Toronto Area, demonstrating widespread community commitment to supporting children with disabilities.
