In 2026, the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse signature fundraising event ‘Go the Distance’ will honour former patient Bella Bradford who passed away in October 2024 at the age of 24. Bella spent a great deal of time in our You Can Centre and she shared her cancer journey across social media with many thousands of followers around the globe.
Bella’s mother Jill said her daughter wanted to spread the word that people should strive to live life every day to the absolute fullest.
“It’s bittersweet,” Jill says. “If she can make a difference and help improve someone’s life with joy, kindness, gratitude and courage – it will bring great comfort and she would be proud.”
Bella shared with her friends, family and followers an inspiring list of 20 things she learned through having cancer. Her life lessons included how you can’t go from zero to 100 in one step and making every day count.
Go the Distance 2026 honours Bella’s legacy of kindness, gratitude and courage.
Every dollar donated, every kilometre travelled in Go the Distance will count for people with cancer.
Bella’s mother Jill said her daughter wanted to spread the word that people should strive to live life every day to the absolute fullest.
“It’s bittersweet,” Jill says. “If she can make a difference and help improve someone’s life with joy, kindness, gratitude and courage – it will bring great comfort and she would be proud.”
Bella shared with her friends, family and followers an inspiring list of 20 things she learned through having cancer. Her life lessons included how you can’t go from zero to 100 in one step and making every day count.Go the Distance 2026 honours Bella’s legacy of kindness, gratitude and courage.
Every dollar donated, every kilometre travelled in Go the Distance will count for people with cancer.
“We would do anything to have Bella here with us, but she taught me so much about life.” - Jill
During the 30-day challenge in September, Go the Distance participants will walk, run, roll or swim to raise vital funds for cancer care at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, helping us provide additional but essential patient care services to help reduce the burden of cancer.
