In January 2023, my best friend Bella was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), beginning a long and difficult journey of chemotherapy, hospital stays, and countless procedures. As her fight continued, it became clear that a stem cell transplant was her best chance of survival. Alongside the transplant, Bella relied on numerous blood transfusions — each one a lifeline that sustained her through her most challenging days. Bella was fortunate to find a matching donor, and the transplant gave her and all of us hope for a new beginning. Tragically, a post-transplant complication called graft-versus-host disease ultimately took Bella from us.

Through Bella’s journey, I came to understand just how vital blood donation truly is. Every transfusion she received was not just a medical treatment, but a symbol of hope and a chance to keep fighting. Blood donors give more than blood — they give time, life, and precious moments to patients and families. Not a day passes that I don’t feel the absence of Bella — her laughter, her strength, and the light she brought into every room. On October 5th, I will be running the Oakville Half Marathon in her honour, using every mile as a tribute to her courage while advocating for blood donation and supporting Canadian Blood Services. By donating blood, you can help change someone’s story, just as donors did for Bella — offering them a chance to fight, to live, and to cherish the moments that matter most.

Much love,

Katie