Mr. Speaker, today, I am wearing pink to honour the life and legacy of a remarkable young girl, Bella Thomson, better known around the world as Bella Brave. Bella had a big personality and an even bigger TikTok following of seven million people; she would brighten people's day with videos of her dancing, singing and short music video collabs with her mom and even the Calgary Flames.
Bella had to overcome many obstacles in her life. She was born without an immune system. She was a frequent visitor to the children's hospitals in both Saskatoon and Toronto, and she underwent a bowel transplant in 2023. She had every right to complain; instead, she chose to use her life experience and platform to encourage other kids going through tough times and to spread the overflowing joy that she possessed.
Having received an organ transplant, she was a strong advocate for signing up to be an organ donor and for the Make-A-Wish foundation. I want to leave members with the words of her mother, Kyla, after Bella passed away: “Bella would want you to remember; God is love, be brave and you are never too old to bring a stuffy.”