Bella's Story

Isabella Draga Rivera was a shining light for her family and her community.

An exemplary student, Bella graduated with AP honors in Art & Foreign Language and was the recipient of various school awards and commendations, an inspiration, and an all-around role model. She was also a competitive soccer player on a number of teams, and was recruited by Wisconsin Lutheran College for her outstanding playing skills.

She loved to snowboard and was a huge Islanders fan. Bella's favorite things were Reese's sticks, butterflies, and all things purple. Her friends were her whole heart, but what and who she loved most was her family: her parents, sisters and grandparents. She also loved her dogs!

Isabella may be gone way too soon, but the years she lived were with grace, class, and love. She touched people far and wide, and left her imprint of all who had the honor of knowing her. She is deeply and sorely missed but her life will be honored, always, and, she will eternally be loved beyond limits.

Bella was diagnosed with metastatic Ewing's sarcoma in May 2021. After a valiant fight with grace and dignity, she succumbed to the disease in January 2023. But she never complained and always met each day, each challenge with a smile that lit up every room, a fire in her heart and immeasurable bravery.

Her family now hopes to pass along some of her goodness and light, in the form of donations gifted by The BellaStrong Foundation.