Born in the eye of hurricane Irene in August of 2011, Bella is no stranger to adversity.

2 months after birth her world was turned upside down with many respiratory challenges.

Hospitalized for nearly the first 6 months of her life in North Carolina, it wasn’t until she was discovered by The Texas Children’s Hospital Lung Transplant team that she and her family would get the answers they needed. Bella had to undergo a life saving Double Lung Transplant for a rare genetic disorder. She spent the following 3 months after transplant in Houston Texas for observation. Bella was then released to her family and headed back to North Carolina (home) in time to celebrate her first birthday. There have been many ups and downs throughout the years, but nothing that Bella did not conquer head on with perseverance. Tiny but mighty this year we celebrate her 10 year “Lungaversary” on May 21, 2022.

Oh what a joy it is to see the promises of God shine through such a ray of sunshine such as Bella. We are thankful for her strength, sassiness and charismatic approach to anything she sets her mind to. Last but not least we are thankful for the team of physicians near and far that network to keep her safe and healthy. And a big thank you to COTA. You are always there in a moment’s notice to assist with our transplant-related needs.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.