Bella Anne Tate
“While the structure of Bella’s heart may be different, her strong spirit and big bright smile show us that she is full of love and life,” said Bella’s mother, Elizabeth.
Bella, 6, was diagnosed in utero with hypoplastic right heart syndrome, meaning only half of her heart is developed enough to function. This meant that Bella would be delivered prematurely, and likely very weak. But Bella proved everyone wrong; being born stronger and healthier than the doctors expected.
However, a hard road still lay ahead for Bella. She has had four open heart surgeries, with many close calls along the way. The support of her family and the constant care of Bella’s physicians helped her to always pull through. Her most recent heart repairs should keep her stable for the foreseeable future. However, someday Bella’s heart will outgrow its repairs and she will need a heart transplant.
Bella, a kindergartener at Vineland Elementary in DeSoto, continues to do what makes her happy. Although she tires more quickly than most, she loves to run, play with her sister Cara, swim and go camping. She is involved in Girl Scouts, an after-school church program and cheerleading. She participated in the Little Dragons Cheer Clinic and was able to cheer at a home football game.