Bella is a six-year-old girl who loves rainbows, horses and spending time outside. She has a big imagination and often pretends her bicycle is a unicorn. Bella’s life is full of play, laughter and creativity, even after everything she has been through.
A Family Coming Together
Bella was adopted by Nicolena and Andrew when she was four years old. She had previously been in their foster care and briefly returned to her biological father before joining their family again.
For a time, life finally felt settled. Then everything changed during a family vacation.
Early Symptoms and Confusion
While traveling out of the country, Bella suddenly developed concerning symptoms. She had slurred speech, one side of her face drooped and she felt pain in her arm and leg.
Getting medical care was difficult where they were staying in St. Martin. Her family thought it might be Lyme disease or Bell’s palsy, but testing was not available.
The symptoms improved, and Bella’s family continued their vacation. On the way home, the symptoms returned.
They went to a hospital in Florida, where doctors did not find anything serious. They were told to follow up with Bella’s pediatrician and return to the emergency room if symptoms came back.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
On the night of her fifth birthday, Bella began having severe leg pain and could not walk. Her parents rushed her to the emergency room at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.
After testing, doctors confirmed Bella had leukemia. The next day, they also discovered she had moyamoya disease, a condition that affects blood vessels in the brain and can lead to mini strokes. Cancer did not cause this disease, but it helped doctors find it.
Nicolena remembers feeling overwhelmed and heartbroken. She kept asking herself how this could happen to her child, especially after everything Bella had already experienced in life.
Life at the Hospital
Bella’s diagnosis changed daily life for the entire family. She began treatment right away, which meant frequent hospital visits and long stays. Because the family lives about 45 minutes away, travel quickly became part of their routine.
Nicolena and Andrew also had to care for their other three children while balancing hospital stays. Family and friends stepped in to help with childcare and everyday tasks.
During painful procedures, like port access or tests, Nicolena often had to hold Bella still while she cried. “You know it’s good for them to receive treatment, but it still feels awful,” says Nicolena.
Even in the middle of these challenges, their community surrounded them with support. Help with meals, childcare, cleaning and other daily needs made a meaningful difference and allowed the family to focus on Bella’s care.
Support from Four Diamonds
Soon after diagnosis, Bella’s family met with a Four Diamonds social worker. They learned that all of Bella’s medical expenses would be covered. They also received help with meals and gas.
For Nicolena and Andrew, this brought immediate relief. It meant they could focus on Bella’s health instead of worrying about medical bills.
Care Beyond Medicine
Bella’s care team included more than doctors and nurses. She spent time with a music therapist, child life specialists and art therapists who helped her feel more comfortable and supported.
Four Diamonds also provided massages for parents, giving Nicolena small moments of rest during a very stressful time. These supports helped Bella’s family feel emotionally cared for while their daughter was cared for medically.
Finding Comfort and Strength
Bella is now in the maintenance phase of treatment and visits the outpatient clinic regularly. At first, she felt nervous returning to the hospital, but the staff helped make each visit easier and more positive.
Outside of treatment, Bella continues to find joy in life. Last summer, she participated in Hoofbeat Haven, a therapeutic horsemanship program, where she built confidence and had fun working with horses. She now dreams of having a horse of her own one day.
Her family also attended Four Diamonds events, including a picnic and a back-to-school celebration. These moments helped Bella and her siblings feel connected to other families who understand their journey.
A Message of Hope
Throughout everything, Nicolena reminds Bella of a simple message: “I am brave. I am strong. I can do hard things because Jesus is with me.”
These words help Bella feel calm and safe when she is scared or facing something difficult.
Looking Ahead
Bella is expected to finish treatment in January 2027. When that day comes, she will ring the bell to celebrate her strength and recovery.
Until then, Bella continues to live fully, laugh often and hold onto her imagination. Even through cancer, she remains a bright, joyful girl who loves rainbows, horses and pretending her bicycle can fly.