Donor Spotlight - Isabella Spar
"At the hospital, they had a bell for patients to ring after their last treatment. It was such a big moment for my family to see my mom ring it. Right then, I knew I wanted to spread that feeling of accomplishment to patients around the world, so I founded Project Bell.” - Isabella Spar
"Ring this bell three times well. Its toll will clearly say, my treatment is done, my course is run, and now I'm on my way." Patients in more than 30 radiation and chemotherapy centers around the United States and Latin America—including Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM)—are reading that mantra and ringing that celebratory bells thanks to 16-year-old philanthropist Isabella Spar's passion and generosity.
"When my mother went through proton radiation, it was a scary time for my whole family," Ms. Spar said. "At the hospital, they had a bell for patients to ring after their last treatment. It was such a big moment for my family to see my mom ring it. Right then, I knew I wanted to spread that feeling of accomplishment to patients around the world, so I founded Project Bell."
Funded through a combination of donations and the sale of inspirational jewelry made by Ms. Spar on her website (ProjectBell.org), Project Bell donates "New Beginning" bells to any treatment center who would like one. After four years of successful contributions, over 20,000 patients per year ring a bell donated by Ms. Spar. Today, she is well on her way to realizing her vision to gift a bell to every hospital in the country.
The most recent recipient of Ms. Spar’s kindness is CHAM’s Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, CHAM—whose home in the Bronx grew into the hardest-hit community in the nation—transformed pediatric units to accommodate the influx of adult patients sick with COVID-19. As CHAM returns to a fully pediatric operation, Ms. Spar hopes the bell will symbolize promise and healing—for all.
"My goal is for this bell to bring a sense of inspiration and empowerment to everyone at CHAM and the CHAM patients who are going through treatment and striving to ring the bell soon," said Ms. Spar. "These kids are going through so much, so I hope this bell brings a sense of joy to them and their families."
It is inspired individuals like Isabella who are helping to change the course of healthcare. Will you join her?
To learn more about Project Bell or to request a bell for a radiation and / or chemotherapy center, contact Isabella Spar at info@projectbell.org
