About Bella

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Her Light. Her Fight. Her Legacy.

Gabriella Hope Patterson—our Bella—was born on March 20, 2009, and from her very first breath, she radiated life. She wasn’t just a child; she was a force of nature—fierce, joyful, bold, funny and loving. From walking at nine months old to leading her cousins and sister with spark and sass, Bella made her presence known. Her laughter filled rooms, her voice sang out joy, and her soul touched everyone she met.

Bella lived life in full color. She danced, sang, played sports, acted, laughed, created, and loved without limits. She adored her big sister Kayla and spent hours playing dress-up, putting on performances, and turning everyday moments into magical memories. Bella believed in tradition. She believed in family. She believed in showing up, even when it hurt. And above all, she believed in joy. Her life was short, but her impact is infinite. She was always in motion—determined to experience every part of life, to leave her mark.

But what truly made Bella extraordinary wasn’t just her talents or her contagious smile—it was her strength. Bella faced a battle no child should ever face, and yet, through it all, she remained the one comforting others. Diagnosed at just nine years old with a rare brain tumor, Bella endured three major brain surgeries, years of radiation and chemotherapy, and unimaginable setbacks. And yet, she never let cancer define her. She never let it steal her joy, her dignity, or her light.

Through every treatment, every hospital visit, every setback, Bella showed up. She sang Hamilton songs on her way to surgery, crafted gifts for other kids while undergoing chemo, and danced her heart out even when her body was tired. She refused to let anyone feel sorry for her—because she didn’t feel sorry for herself. Instead, she chose to focus on others, on love, and on hope.

Even as her health declined, her spirit did not. She played basketball and volleyball, made her Sweet 16 an unforgettable celebration, and never stopped dreaming about her next beach adventure in search of the clearest blue waters. 

Bella had a rare gene in her cancer that placed her among a small handful in the world—but then again, Bella was always one in a billion.

In the final days of her life, Bella held on with fierce love and unshakable will. She fought with everything she had until her daddy—her best friend, her safe place—held her and told her it was okay to let go. And only then did she do so. Because that’s who Bella was: a fighter, a protector, a soul so loving that she wanted to make sure the people around her would be okay before she rested.

Bella’s story is not just one of pain. It is a story of breathtaking courage, of how love can shine even in the darkest hours. It's the story of a young girl whose voice, laughter, and acts of kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

In her honor, we created The Bella Hope Foundation, inspired by the way she lived and loved—with kindness, courage, empathy and compassion. Our mission is to carry forward her legacy through meaningful, often unexpected acts of kindness that remind people, even in their darkest moments, that they are not alone. Bella showed us how powerful love and empathy can be, even when medicine fails. That power lives on through this foundation.

To know Bella was to feel her heart. To love Bella was to be changed forever.

Her light is with us still.

"You are not alone." – Dear Evan Hansen, was one of her favorite songs.

And now, through her foundation, through her story, through each act of love inspired by her—we will make sure the world never forgets our Bella and that no one ever feels alone.