Support Bella's Brave Battle Against Burkitt's Lymphoma

Help Bella Fight Burkitt's Lymphoma

On Christmas Eve 2024, our sweet Bella, age 14, was diagnosed with cancer after an emergency surgery to address a bleeding mass in her face. What began as a month of symptoms—persistent nosebleeds and what was thought to be a severe sinus infection—ultimately revealed itself as Burkitt's Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Bella’s diagnosis came after a rollercoaster of uncertainty. The "swollen lymph node" in her neck and ongoing nosebleeds were actually the result of large tumors in her sinus cavity, neck, and even a spot on her right hip. She was admitted to the hospital and spent nearly the entire Christmas holiday beginning her brave fight against this disease.

Her first round of chemotherapy lasted 14 days, including three lumbar punctures and a bone marrow biopsy. Bella faces a challenging road ahead, with intense chemotherapy treatments every 16-21 days, each lasting 7 days at a time, for the next six months. While her doctors are optimistic about her prognosis and believe her cancer is curable, the treatment is aggressive and will demand every ounce of her strength and resilience.

Throughout this journey, Bella and her family are wholeheartedly leaning on their faith in God for strength, comfort, and guidance. Their trust in Him remains unshaken, and they believe His grace will carry Bella through this battle.

Bella is surrounded by love from her four parents and bonus parents—Sara and Thomas Lacombe, and Michael and Sarah Price—and her seven younger siblings. She is an extraordinary young woman with a passionate faith in God. Bella loves reading, attending church camp, musical theatre, and drawing. She dreams of one day becoming an ocean conservationist, with a special love for stingrays and sharks.

Currently, Bella is in the 9th grade at Neuse Charter School, though she is now on homebound instruction. She remains active in her youth ministry, attending church with her mom at Princeton Church and with her dad at Temple City Church.

Why We Need Your Help

The past month has placed a tremendous financial strain on Bella’s family. Sara, Bella's mom, has faced the heartbreaking decision of whether to go to work as an ER nurse to support the family or stay by Bella’s side during her hospital treatments. While Bella does have insurance, it only goes so far, and the financial burden of medical bills, lost income, and related expenses has already begun to take its toll.

This is not the family’s first battle with long-term medical challenges. Bella and her parents have walked this road before, having cared for her terminally ill brother, who passed away in 2022 after a lifelong illness.

How You Can Help

Your support will make an incredible difference in Bella’s fight. Donations will help cover:

Bella is a warrior, and her faith and determination inspire all of us. Her family is fully relying on God’s provision and the love and support of their community. Please consider donating to help this amazing young woman and her family navigate this difficult journey. If you cannot donate, we ask for your prayers and for you to share Bella’s story with others.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of Team Bella. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us as we support her through this fight.

#BellaBeatsBurkitts