High achiever and cancer fighter Bella Bradford’s remarkable life to be celebrated at memorial service

This young Adelaide woman selflessly shared her cancer journey and the life lessons she learned along the way – and now, following her death last week, has an inspiring message for us all.

A young Adelaide woman selflessly continued to share her cancer journey to raise awareness and provide support for others up until her final moments.

Isabella Bradford, 24, died on October 15 after a three-year-long battle with a rare form of jaw cancer that her family say she handled with “grace and dignity”.

In March 2023, Bella celebrated finishing a year-and-a-half of cancer treatment with what she called a “f*ck cancer” party – celebrating the end of many surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions.

Isabella Bradford, 24, died on October 15 after a three-year-long battle with a rare form of jaw cancer. Picture: Trybooking

However, in a cruel blow the cancer returned just two months later and she was declared terminal.

Bella famously shared her journey including an inspiring list of 20 things she learned through having cancer (See video and fact file below).

Her Instagram account documented her battle and in a post on her account posthumously, Bella’s followers learned she had passed away.

“After three years of battling a rare cancer, Bella peacefully passed away. She was surrounded by love and light,” the post said.

“She believed in gratitude, fun and kindness and wanted to pass on the message to go out and live life everyday to the absolute fullest.”

@bellabradford0 I shared these with my friends when I originally went into remission and had a Fuck Cancer party. Now that I’m terminal I wanted to put them here permanently ♥️ #lifelessons#cancer#lifeadvice#cancerpatient#terminal#chronicillness#bakewithme#cooking#bananabread♬ original sound - Bella Bradford

The former Wilderness School student was a high achiever in Year 12, with five subject merits and an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank of 99.75.

Bella’s family paid tribute to the inspiring young woman in her death notice on Tuesday.

“(Bella) touched all who knew her. She faced her cancer with the same resilience and positivity she brought to all aspects of her life,” the family posted in their tribute.

“Bella filled our lives in every way. She was wise beyond her years, and even at the end, was still thinking about others.

Bella famously shared her journey including an inspiring list of 20 things she learned through having cancer. Picture: Instagram

Her memorial service will take place at the Wilderness School Gymnasium on Saturday. Picture: Instagram

“Bella’s spirit and memory will live on in the countless lives she touched and the love and vibrancy she left behind.”

Bella is set to be farewelled at a memorial service in Adelaide on Satruday.

In lieu of flowers, Bella has asked attendees instead donate to one of the following charities Head and Neck Cancer Australia, Cancer Chicks, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Hospital or Rare Cancers Australia.

Originally published as High achiever and cancer fighter Bella Bradford’s remarkable life to be celebrated at memorial service