Bella Rodriguez-Torres
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Bella Rodriguez-Torres | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 12, 2002 |
| Died | May 28, 2013 (aged 10) |
Bella Rodriguez-Torres (born December 2002 - Died May 2013) was a Miami resident ten-year-old girl who died after six years of battling cancer.[1]
Biography
[edit]Bella Rodriguez-Torres was born in Miami, Florida, in 2002. In 2007, she became paralyzed and was diagnosed with stage four alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma at the age four.[1][2][3] Though she experienced developmental delays from birth complications involving oxygen deprivation, she regained motor functions including walking and running during her cancer treatment.[4][5][6][7]
She experienced six cancer recurrences and underwent multiple surgical interventions after her diagnosis. During her treatment, her family created the phrase "Live Like Bella," which later became associated with charitable initiatives. The slogan gained broader recognition when NBA players LeBron James and Dwayne Wade displayed it on their footwear[1] during the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals.[2][3] Rodriguez-Torres died on May 28, 2013, at age 10.[6][8][9]
Aftermath
[edit]In 2013, a sixteen-block stretch of Southwest 107th Avenue was renamed Live Like Bella Way to honor Bella.[3][10] Same year, the Live Like Bella Foundation was founded with the mission to help children with cancer.[11] The foundation advocates for childhood cancer research, providing cancer treatment support to families, and helping families cover the costs of memorial services. Live Like Bella has raised over $37 million[12] to help families in 37 countries and across the US.[5][13]
In 2014, Miami-Dade Parks and Miami-Dade Commission Vice Chair Lynda Bell unveiled Live Like Bella Park, formerly Leisure Lakes Park.[14]
In 2015, the Live Like Bella Foundation partnered with Baptist Health South Florida to establish the Live Like Bella Pediatric Proton Radiation Oncology Program at the Miami Cancer Institute.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Brecher, Elinor J. (May 29, 2013). "Bella Rodriguez-Torres, 10 year old, succumbs to cancer". Miami Herald.
- ^ a b Castillo, Michelle (2013-05-29). "10-year-old who inspired "Live Like Bella" loses cancer battle - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
- ^ a b c Madan, Monique O. (June 19, 2015). "Faith and first responders: Dad shares backstory of Bella's battle with cancer". Miami Herald.
- ^ 6 South Florida "Viewing For Bella Rodriguez-Torres on Thursday Night".
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ a b "Meet the Rodriguez-Torres Family | Live Like Bella".
- ^ a b zwf1 (2015-02-05). Wildlife Foundation "Live Like Bella".
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ News "Miami's 10-Year-Old Miracle Cancer Fighter, Bella Rodriguez-Torres, Leaves Legacy". Fox News. 2016-12-18.
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ Besteni, Barbara A. (2013-05-29). "Bella Rodriguez-Torres dies after 6-year cancer battle".
- ^ "S. Fla. Girl, Bella, Dies After 6-Year Battle With Cancer - CBS Miami". CBS News. 2013-05-28.
- ^ Candea, Ben (2013-10-01). "'Live Like Bella Way' unveiled".
- ^ Jorges • •, Victor (2023-02-18). "Hundreds Gathered Together to Honor Children Battling Cancer in South Florida". NBC 6 South Florida. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
- ^ Jones, Chelsea (2024-09-23). "Live Like Bella Foundation honors South Florida families impacted by childhood cancer with 11th Annual Bella's Ball - CBS Miami". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
- ^ "Live Like Bella: A Legacy of Courage, Love, and Action". 2024-04-22.
- ^ "Miami-Dade County - Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces - News Release".
- ^ Releases, Community News (2015-10-11). "Live LIke Bella Foundation partners with Miami Cancer Institute at BHSF | Sunny Isles Community News#".