Bella ‘Brave’ Thomson recognized for impact on Sask. and world

By Jenny Hagan

Known and adored globally through her medical journey shared via social media, Swift Current’s Bella ‘Brave’ Thomson is being honoured posthumously with a prestigious award.

The 10-year-old passed away on July 14, and exactly a month later her mother Kyla received word that Bella would be given a King Charles III’s Coronation Medal.

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“I read the e-mail and I told my husband Lyle, and we were both just like ‘This is special. This is significant,’” Kyla said. “It was just so wonderful, and it brought us a lot of happiness and excitement for her during such a difficult time.”

As a mother-daughter duo, Bella and Kyla posted the vulnerable and difficult aspects of Bella’s medical battle with several rare diseases for years on social media, garnering a devoted community of people around the world. On TikTok alone, 7.5 million followers continue to support the Thomsons as they navigate life without Bella.

The King Charles III’s Coronation Medal recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community in the country, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Bella has been an advocate for many Canadian children’s hospitals, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and has volunteered in many ways for several organizations that support medical families.

Her brave and positive attitude towards her life of medical hurdles was arguably the biggest inspiration for people of all ages and walks of life in similar situations.

“She would be elated,” said Kyla, when asked what Bella would think of the medal. “She would take this so very seriously. I know that would be her reaction. Her demeanour would immediately change, and she would go into what she would call Queen Mode. This would mean so much to her if she was able to receive it in person. I know that for a fact. She would be so happy and so proud of herself for being recognized in that way.”

Kyla attended the ceremony in Regina on Thursday and accepted the medal on behalf of her daughter. The Thomsons said they’re excited to display the honour, along with Bella’s several other accolades she has been recognized with over the years.