BELLA BOWMAN FOUNDATION INC
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Mission Statement
BELLA BOWMAN FOUNDATION Mission Statement: To create and support research initiatives for pediatric brain cancer, fund educational opportunities and offer non-medical comfort care to children diagnosed with cancer and the families who care for them.
About This Cause
EVERY CHILD WITH CANCER DESERVES A JOYFUL CHILDHOOD On New Years Day of 2011, Trey and Kim Bowman were told that their seven-year-old daughter Bella was diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumor, an answer to many months of unexplained illness. Surgery was required, but there were risks, including the inability to breathe, eat, swallow or walk. Trey and Kim explained to Bella that the cancer was like a “Red Dot” that had to be removed. To everyone’s relief the surgery was a success and Bella’s first words after surgery were, “Is the Red Dot gone?” Ten days later, Bella began radiation treatment. Eight months later, doctors found that Bella had developed brain stem radiation necrosis, a rare side effect of the radiation. From August-December, Bella and her family traveled back and forth from their home in Baton Rouge to Memphis where she underwent 60 hyperbaric oxygen treatments, chemotherapy, sleep studies, and physical, speech, and occupational therapy. In mid-December 2011, while returning home from St. Jude’s in Memphis, Bella began choking. She was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. An MRI revealed that Bella had suffered a stroke. Doctors broke the devastating news to Trey and Kim that the radiation necrosis was irreversible and nothing more could be done. Within five days of removing the ventilator, Bella passed away in her father’s arms and with her mother at her side. Bella was a strong and courageous eight-year-old girl who did not fear her battle with brain cancer. Her unique way of communicating with the world was amazing and she gave courage, belief, faith and strength to so many people. And although Bella is in heaven, her kind, loving, strong, sweet spirit will continue to be shared through her family, friends, and the Bella Bowman Foundation. Trey and Kim realized that many families struggle with where to begin when a child is diagnosed with cancer. Their journey with Bella is the inspiration for the Bella Bowman Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to create and support research initiatives for pediatric brain cancer, fund new and continuous education, and offer Comfort Care to the children and families facing this difficult journey. While the foundation focuses on several areas; Trey and Kim have a passion for the Comfort Care aspect, as Bella’s last days of life were so very special. The Comfort Care that the Bella Bowman Foundation provides is a unique service offered to children and families affected by pediatric cancer. The foundation participates in and sponsors Comfort Care training to health professionals, offering a unique perspective as parents who have traveled this journey. Our Comfort Care Support Includes: Parental guidance • Answering non-medical questions • Helping set and manage expectations • Life adaptation What makes a child smile program • Never forget what makes your child happy • How can we help make your child smile? Resources • Where to look • What to read Gifts • Restaurant gift cards, fuel cards, etc… • Gift baskets • Monetary support (when applicable)