Brave Bella rings bell marking end of cancer of treatment

Surrounded by her big family, six-year-old Bella Harris rang the bell at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) signifying the end of her treatment for brain cancer. 

Two years ago Bella was diagnosed with a brain tumour located on her brain stem.

She underwent surgery in Brisbane to remove the tumour before beginning 12 months of chemotherapy.

Bella’s grandmother and carer Bronwyn Tomarra said it was a special day as the family came together to watch Bella finally ring the bell at the TUH cancer centre.

“Bella is the strongest little girl,” Ms Tomarra said.

“Throughout everything she kept her gentle nature.

“It was amazing to watch how she handled this whole experience.

“After each round of chemo, she’d walk out like nothing happened.”

Paediatric clinical nurse consultant oncology and haematology Phil Mauger said watching Bella’s transformation was incredible.

“Bella didn’t want much to do with us at the beginning of her treatment,” Mr Mauger said.

“But now she chats to us non-stop and has become very independent.”

Mr Mauger said the team at TUH, alongside Bella’s oncologist and team at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, successfully advocated for Bella’s specific cancer treatment to be accessible in Townsville.

“This meant that Bronwyn and Bella no longer had to travel to Brisbane each month for treatment,” he said.

“We are so proud of this work that significantly reduced the burden on Bella and her family, bringing her care closer to home.”

Bronwyn, who cares for four other grandchildren, said it was hard to describe the impact this advocacy had on her family.

“Bella and I had to travel to Brisbane every month for 10 months, which was hard for the other kids,” Ms Tomarra said.

“Thanks to Phil and the team we were able to stay together; it meant the world.”

“A lot of the staff have become like family, Bella and her siblings even started calling Phil, Uncle Phil.”

Phil said his new title as Uncle Phil was special and he felt proud to be an honorary member of the family.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to see Bella reach this milestone,” said Mr Mauger.

“She has been such a trouper, enduring each treatment with a smile, even when it was tough.

“Some kids don’t get these moments; we take the wins and bell ringing ceremonies are a big part of why we do this job.”

Bella’s Aunty Wendy Naqelece said she was excited to see Bella return to normalcy and have more time to spend with family.

“We call Bella ‘doughy’ because her nature is so gentle, but she’s so tough,” Ms Nagelece said.

"I’ve never seen a child like her, and I can’t wait to see her continue to thrive.”

Ms Nagelece said Bella will be spending a lot of time swimming, going to the park, and cooking with her grandmother.