The world has lost a bright and brave soul in 10-year-old Bella Thomson from Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Bella, known as Bella Brave on social media, touched millions with her remarkable journey through life while battling multiple rare health conditions.
Bella passed away peacefully on Sunday at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), where she had been placed in a medically-induced coma. Her mother, Kyla Thomson, confirmed the news with a heartbreaking message: “Bella passed peacefully in our arms. Please keep her name on your lips, her memories alive, and her bravery in your hearts.”
@kylact Our brave girl left her legacy here on earth to dance on streets of gold July 14th 2024 at 4:19pm ET Bella passed peacefully in our arms. Please keep her name on your lips, her memories alive and her bravery in your hearts. Please share with us every detail of how she touched your life or kept you brave. Bella would want you to remember; God is love, be brave and you are never too old to bring a stuffy. 🧸 #bellabrave ♬ Never Enough – Loren’s Version – Loren Allred
The news of Bella’s passing has sparked a wave of condolences and tributes from her community and beyond.
Premier Scott Moe of Saskatchewan highlighted Bella’s enduring influence in a heartfelt social media post, emphasizing that her courage will always be remembered.
The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, for which Bella was an ambassador, honored her memory by stating, “Bella defined the word Brave, inspiring others during the toughest times.”
Jennifer Draper, founder of the Little Wonders Family Program supporting families with rare diseases, shared, “You were one of our first Little Wonders, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Born with dwarfism, severe combined immunodeficiency, and Hirschsprung’s disease, Bella’s life was a series of medical battles. Despite spending over 1,000 nights in hospitals and enduring numerous surgeries, she faced each challenge with remarkable resilience and positivity.
In 2023, Bella underwent a crucial bowel transplant after years of waiting for an organ donor. Throughout these trials, she and her mother shared their experiences on TikTok, amassing over seven million followers who found hope and strength in Bella’s story.
Bella’s impact extended far beyond her online presence. Her story resonated with celebrities like singer Halsey, who sent her art supplies and later met her in California, and Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, who visited her in the hospital in 2023. These moments brought joy and a sense of wonder to Bella’s life, showing the far-reaching influence of her bravery.
Her simple yet profound advice to other children awaiting transplants—”Be very careful. Have lots of fun. And stay brave.”—captures the essence of her indomitable spirit.
Bella’s life, though tragically short, was a testament to the power of courage and the human spirit’s ability to inspire others. Her journey reminds us of the profound impact one individual can have on the world by sharing their truth and living with unwavering bravery.
Bella Brave’s legacy will continue to resonate, encouraging others to face their challenges with strength and positivity. Her story is not just a tale of illness and struggle but one of love, resilience, and the enduring impact of a young girl who lived her life with an open heart and an unbreakable spirit.
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