The Hearts of Camp No Limits

Bella Honey Tucker is remarkable. She is a student at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, heading into her second year of nursing school.  Living alone for the first time – enjoying the freedom of being a college student.   Studying a lot and spending time with friends enjoying all that Boston has to offer.   In her free time, Bella is a painter, selling her paintings on Etsy at PaintByBella, raising funds for her favorite non-profit, Camp No Limits.  My two favorite pieces of art, displayed proudly in my home, were painted by Bella.

But what really sets Bella apart?  She does this all as a quadruple amputee.   Yes, you heard that right.  Bella had both her arms and legs amputated when she was 8 years old – after courageously battling a deadly virus she caught.

She did not intend to inspire others – but she does – everyday.  She has embraced her limb loss with gusto.   Always with a smile.  

At the age of 14, six years after the amputations, Bella’s occupational therapist recommended she check out Camp No Limits and attend their camp in nearby Maine. Camp No Limits provides not only physical therapy for kids while at camp, but also provides occupational therapy for kids while there. =

Most importantly, Camp No Limits provided her a community. She had felt alone in her limb loss journey until her first day at Camp No Limits, where for the first time she met other kids with limb loss disabilities.  Camp No Limits provided an invaluable support group for disabled kids like her.  But as they teach these kids at camp, they are not disabled, they just have “limb difference.”

The Camp taught Bella so much more than how to best handle the kid’s prosthetics she and many others wear.  The biggest lesson they learn is to believe in themselves.  That they can achieve what many others feel is impossible for them.  Through hard work, a strong team of support, and a positive attitude.  As a charity for children, Camp No Limits is an important part of the Team. 

Bella is working at Camp No Limits this summer.  Why?  She wants to help others going through their own journey with limb difference.   And I bet some of them will inspire her, too!  When I asked her one of her goals this Summer – she answered “learn how to walk better on my prosthetic legs!   My goal is to learn to walk all day in them.”  Go Bella Go!  #inspire

Post written by Bill Potts