SWIFT CURRENT – Saskatchewan’s most well-known and loved 10-year-old child succumbed to her illness over the weekend.
Isabella Thomson, or known online as Bella Brave, passed away at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ont. Thomson, who called Swift Current home, was born with three rare diseases, including Hirschsprung disease, a gastrointestinal disorder.
Thomson’s mom, Kyla, started documenting Bella’s life in hospital on the social media platform TikTok in 2021. Bella’s sparkling personality, infectious giggle and sunny disposition made her an overnight sensation, with her video going viral with 11 million views in one day.
Following her online success, Bella and Kyla were asked to be one of the many hosts for the annual Saskatchewan telethon, Telemiracle. Kinsmen, Kinettes and viewers of the telethon from all over were drawn to the little girl. Bella became an inspiration and advocate for the Kinsmen Foundation, The Hospital for Sick Children and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. She was able to meet A-list celebrity Ryan Reynolds and became an honourary cheerleader for the Saskatchewan Rush, Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Swift Current 57’s.
Kyla posted on Instagram of Bella’s passing, saying, “Bella would want you to remember; God is love, be brave and you are never too old to bring a stuffy.”
