Bella Brave dies at age 10: Saskatchewan TikTok star ‘is a true hero’

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Bella Thomson, a young girl from Swift Current, Sask., who bravely battled challenging health conditions since birth, has died at the age of 10.

Throughout her journey, she shared her remarkable achievements online alongside her family, touching the lives of over seven million followers and friends on TikTok.

“Bella passed peacefully in our arms,” her family wrote on TikTok in a post honouring Bella’s life. “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.

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“Bella would want you to remember; God is love, be brave and you are never too old to bring a stuffy.”

She died on July 14 following her placement into a medically induced coma.

Bella was born on Dec. 6, 2013, with Hirschsprung’s disease, a condition characterized by missing nerves in parts of the intestine that complicates digestion. Later, she was diagnosed with a form of dwarfism called Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia that necessitated surgeries due to developmental issues in her right hand.

Complications from intestinal surgeries ultimately resulted in a rare and severe combined immunodeficiency, leaving her immune system effectively non-functional. Bella did not come home from the hospital until she was two years old. Throughout her life, she endured more than 1,000 nights in hospital care. She was primarily treated at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, also known as SickKids.

Her mother, Kyla Thomson, shared Bella’s journey on TikTok, where the mother-daughter duo became well known in 2021, by the name “Bella Brave.” Through their TikTok account, they shared Bella’s story, offering updates during multiple hospital stays, procedures, and surgeries. Their account became a supportive community for those following Bella’s progress.

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Their videos feature a range of entertaining content showcasing various trends, activities and moments from Bella and her mother’s daily life, providing a window into their shared experiences. Bella was known for her charisma and positivity in the face of adversity.

When the account started to go viral, the family saw an opportunity to inspire others.

“Not a lot of people know what happens inside hospitals, and thank goodness they don’t,” Kyla told National Post in September. 

Kyla and her husband came up with the Bella Brave nickname together, based on their daughter’s remarkable ability to bounce back. “It wouldn’t ever break her soul,” Kyla said.

In August 2023, Bella underwent a life-changing bowel transplant using an organ donated by a donor. This procedure enabled her to regain the ability to eat normally and walk again, marking a significant milestone in her medical journey.

In December 2023, Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds had the opportunity to visit her, during which they talked about her favourite foods. She mentioned enjoying the roast beef sandwiches served at the hospital.

Reynolds took to Instagram stories to pay tribute to Bella on July 15, stating, “Bella was so funny and so charming. I loved meeting her and I’m so deeply sad to hear this news.”

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Bella’s impact has been felt worldwide. American singer Halsey also expressed her admiration on Instagram, stating, “The strongest and most fearless girl to ever live. Bella affected everyone who crossed her path. It was my absolute honor and privilege to call her a friend for these years.” Halsey’s support for Bella dates back to 2021, when she sent Bella art supplies and an iPad.

Many followers online have shared their grief and condolences regarding the death of Bella. One user states, “We will continue to be not just brave, but Bella brave.” Another wrote: “Quietly I’ve followed this account and watched her live her best life and not complain once … She is a true hero.”

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