Bella Thomson, known to her millions of TikTok followers as Bella Brave, passed away on July 14, 2024, at the age of 10. Her mother, Kyla Thomson, announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram, noting that Bella died peacefully in her parents’ arms.
Bella’s life was marked by an extraordinary battle against multiple rare health conditions, including Hirschsprung’s disease, dwarfism, and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). These conditions led to numerous hospital stays and over 30 surgeries throughout her young life.
Born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Bella was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease shortly after birth. This congenital condition affects the large intestine and made it impossible for Bella to pass stool naturally. At just three days old, Bella underwent the first of many surgeries to address her condition. Over time, she was also diagnosed with a form of dwarfism and SCID, which left her with virtually no immune system.
Despite these challenges, Bella and her family maintained an uplifting and educational social media presence. The “Bella Brave” TikTok account, which has more than seven million followers, was created to update family and friends about her health and to showcase Bella’s vibrant personality beyond her medical struggles. Her posts, filled with positivity and resilience, resonated with people worldwide, attracting support from celebrities like Halsey, Ryan Reynolds, and Lizzo.
In August 2023, Bella underwent a life-saving bowel transplant, which appeared to be a turning point in her medical journey. However, complications arose again in recent months. Bella developed a lung infection that led to her being intubated and placed in a medically induced coma at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). On July 10, 2024, her mother shared that doctors were uncertain about Bella’s chances of survival due to rapid fibrosis affecting her lungs, a condition that stumped even the best medical experts.
Bella’s story touched hearts globally, with many fans and well-wishers sending messages of support and love. In her final days, Bella remained a beacon of bravery and strength, inspiring others facing similar health battles. Kyla Thomson’s poignant words on Instagram encapsulated the family’s grief and gratitude: “Bella would want you to remember: God is love, be brave and you are never too old to bring a stuffy.”
Bella’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her courage and positivity. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, and she will be remembered for her extraordinary bravery and the joy she brought to those who followed her story.
