Bella Harris rings bell after long treatment for cancer on her brain stem

Swimming, cooking and going to the park on the list for Bella after her brain stem cancer treatment is finally over. Read about her heartbreaking journey.

Six-year-old Bella Harris has rung the bell, officially ending her treatment for brain cancer.

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

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

Her grandmother and carer Bronwyn Tomarra said it was a specual day for the family.

“Bella is the strongest little girl,” Bronwyn 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.”

Pediatric clinical nurse consultant oncology and haematology Phil Mauger said when Bella first started her treatment, she didn’t want “much to do with us”.

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

The team at Townsville University Hospital advocated for Bella’s cancer treatment to be accessible in Townsville.

“This meant that Bronwyn and Bella no longer had to travel to Brisbane each month for

treatment,” Phil said.

“We are so proud of this work that significantly reduced the burden on Bella and her family,

bringing her care closer to home.”

Bella Harris ringing the bell alongside her grandmother Bronwyn Tomarra. Picture: Supplied

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,” Bronwyn 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 Phil.

“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,” Wendy said.

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

Wendy said Bella would be spending a lot of time swimming, going to the park, and cooking

with her grandmother.

Originally published as Bella Harris rings bell after long treatment for cancer on her brain stem