A 10-year-old TikTok star died just days after she was put in a medically-induced coma, her parents confirmed. Kyla broke the news that her daughter passed away Sunday afternoon in a devastating social media post.
‘Our brave girl left her legacy here on earth to dance on streets of gold,’ Kyla said. ‘Bella passed peacefully in our arms.’
Bella Brave, a beloved TikTok star and chronic illness advocate, has tragically passed away at the age of 10. Bella Thompson, known to her fans as Bella Brave, was born with three debilitating genetic conditions and became an internet sensation for her inspirational videos.
Bella gained fame on TikTok for her heartfelt videos that chronicled her journey and her efforts to raise awareness about her condition. Her account, which amassed a large following, became a beacon of hope for many facing similar challenges.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our precious Bella,” the statement read. “She fought with an incredible spirit and touched the lives of so many with her strength and positivity. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.”
‘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.’
Kyla, a former public school teacher who became her daughter’s full-time caretaker, began posting about Bella’s journey in 2014.
Bella was placed into a coma after she contracted a virus, and may have developed Bronchiolitis Obliterans – a condition that results in the obstruction of the smallest airways of the lungs due to inflammation.
Doctors said there had been a rapid deterioration of Bella’s lungs, which they believed could be an immune response.
She was diagnosed with three genetic conditions shortly after she was born, including Hirschprung’s disease – which causes problems passing stool – and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).
Tributes have been pouring in from fans, friends, and fellow creators who were touched by Bella’s story and her unwavering courage. Many have shared memories and messages of condolences on social media, celebrating her impact and the joy she brought to others.
Kyla previously explained that Bella’s severe medical needs became apparent when she was just three-days-old. ‘We were told that Bella suffered from a bowel disease called Hirschsprung, where parts of the colon are dead,’ she recounted in 2022.
She was diagnosed with three genetic conditions shortly after she was born, including Hirschprung’s disease and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.
At 11 months, Bella’s parents were told she also has SCID – which meant she could die from just catching a common cold. Again the result of a genetic mutation, after spending two months in isolation in hospital, because she could not risk catching an infection, at 15 months old, she had a bone marrow transplant.
Her third genetic condition, a form of dwarfism called cartilage hair hypoplasia, was also diagnosed around that time. The bone growth disorder which also causes sparse hair growth and light-colored skin means she still has the physical build of a one-year-old.
To help with the Hirschprung’s disease, Bella has had a number of bowel surgeries – including one just last year that her mother said she thought ‘was supposed to be the last medical trauma she would ever have to endure.’
Bella’s family has requested privacy as they mourn the loss of their daughter and celebrate her extraordinary life. In honor of Bella’s memory, her family plans to continue her advocacy work, supporting causes that were dear to her heart.
Bella Brave’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives she touched and the awareness she raised. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of resilience and the profound impact of kindness and courage.