Our History
Lizzie Bell
On May 17, 1994, Lizzie was born to parents Mike and Kathy Bell. Not long after, in July, Lizzie was hospitalized at only 7 weeks old.
Camp Sunshine
At age five, Lizzie learns to put a needle in her stomach to assist with nightly infusions, something she must endure to live with Diamond-Blackfan anemia.
Speaking
Lizzie’s first speaking engagement for El Tour de Tucson, Tu Nidito, and Arizona Electric Power Cooperative.
Blood Donors
Living on other people’s donated blood means antibodies form and the recipient’s body rejects certain aspects of these donated red cells. Securing the blood that Lizzie needs every two- three weeks is getting more challenging.
Early Schooling
Lizzie’s education journey was marked by frequent absences due to health challenges. She had to leave St. Cyril’s Catholic School and transfer to the Academy of Tucson, a charter school, in 4th grade. School Inservice is held to assist the staff in understanding Diamond Blackfan Anemia and the day-to-day lifestyle management of having a MFC in AOT.
High School
In 7th grade, Lizzie became seriously ill, which forced her to attend school only sporadically. She did not return to regular schooling until 10th grade where she was accepted to Salpointe Catholic High School under special circumstances.
More Impact
In 2010, Lizzie made a significant impact through various speaking engagements and blood drives across the country, from Santa Fe, NM, to Beaverton, OR, and Slippery Rock, PA. Her dedication to blood donation awareness earned her a place in the National Donor Hall of Fame, and she was honored with the Hispanic Women’s Corporation Youth Leadership Award in October.
Achievements
In 2011 and 2012, Lizzie continued to inspire and achieve. She spoke at the Young Women’s Empowerment Academy and was featured in an Arizona Alumni article highlighting her work with Dr. Jean Baruch and Beads of Courage. Lizzie published a children’s book titled Pokes, Pinches and Loose Wires about her experiences with needles. She also served as a patroness for the Tucson Symphony Cotillion Ball and launched the Lizzie Bell Lip Gloss with Nu World Cosmetics in NYC, benefiting her charitable initiatives, Team Lizzie Bell and Lizzie’s Loot.
World Travel
In 2013, Lizzie underwent a marrow transplant at the University of Minnesota’s Amplatz Children’s Hospital. By 2014, she resumed her passion for world travel and photography, capturing the beauty of Scotland, London, and Paris. That same year, Lizzie was recognized as a female of inspiration by My Girl Power. In 2015, as she completed high school, she continued to showcase her photography on Facebook through her See Lizzie Bell Photography page..
Engraftment
In 2015, as Lizzie finished high school, she continued to share her passion for photography. That same year, she joined the MOVE YOUR BLOOD initiative with Lisa Wagner, participating in educational food events for kids. By 2016-2017, Lizzie celebrated being 100% marrow engrafted with trips to Park City, Utah, and Jamaica, embracing her love for fine food and wine as she traveled the world as a true connoisseur.
The Future
The future of Team Lizzie Bell centers on expanding its impact on medically fragile children and their families across Southern Arizona. Key to this vision is growing the 94 & More program to secure funds that provide financial support for medical expenses, travel, and basic needs. Education and community awareness are also crucial to the organization’s plans. By hosting events like the PickleBella charity tournament, Paint The Town, and baby showers, Team Lizzie Bell raises essential funds and unites the community around a shared cause.