Wollongong teen finds strength after leukaemia diagnosis with community's help
Sixteen-year-old Bella McIntyre is from Wollongong. She has leukaemia and is nearing the end of chemotherapy.
Bella McIntyre was diagnosed after fainting spells. Blood tests showed a low white blood cell count.
A bone marrow biopsy confirmed she had leukaemia. The condition runs in her family.
It carries a 20 to 30 per cent risk. Chemotherapy made her lose her hair.
She found this hard and isolating. Her parents helped her by teaching her not to worry about things beyond her control.
Bella started a GoFundMe to raise money for a wig. The community gave nearly $10,000, which was double her goal.
She has been supported by her teddy bear Bruce. She also made friends in hospital.
Nurses inspired her to think about nursing as a career. She is now nearing the end of her chemotherapy.
She is looking toward maintenance pills instead of ongoing hospital stays.
- 16
- Age
- 20 to 30 per cent
- Genetic risk if carrying gene
- Nearly $10,000
- GoFundMe amount raised
- Wollongong
- City
Why it mattersBella's story shows how community support and family strength help young people survive serious illness and move toward recovery.
AustraliaHer experience reflects the realities young Australians face with cancer diagnosis and the power of local communities to rally around them.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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