Family of girl who escaped death among World Youth Day ambassadors

Published: 2008-05-28

PERTH, Australia (CNS) -- The Catholic family of an 8-year-old girl who narrowly escaped death twice was named among nine ambassadors for World Youth Day 2008. Sophie Delezio, known to Australians as "Little Sophie," was thrown more than 55 yards when she was struck by a car two years ago. She spent 12 days in intensive care after suffering a heart attack, a broken jaw and broken shoulder bone, bruising to her head, numerous rib fractures and a tear to her left lung. In 2003 she lost both feet and suffered burns to 85 percent of her body after a car crashed into a Sydney child care center she was attending. The Delezio family -- Sophie's parents, Ron and Carolyn, along with Sophie and her brother, Mitchell -- are among the local sport stars, singer, diplomat and fashion designer chosen to promote World Youth Day among Australians. Sophie's parents said the opportunity to serve as World Youth Day ambassadors provides them the chance to give "back to the church for what it has given us." World Youth Day ambassadors are helping to promote the July 15-20 event in Sydney.

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