'So Strong': Dublin Teen Fights Cancer Battle With Community Help

DUBLIN, CA — She should be worrying about homework and soccer practice but instead, a Dublin eighth-grader recently diagnosed with cancer is switching gears to focus on fighting for her life. A week before Christmas, Isabella Collins, an eighth-grader at Wells Middle School, found the lump in her neck, according to Amy Collins, Isabella’s mother.

Collins said the devastating diagnosis of Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was delivered to them two weeks before her daughter’s fourteenth birthday. While celebrating her milestone birthday on New Year's Day, the teenager was preparing herself for cancer treatment.

“She has been so strong and amazing through this all,” Collins told Patch.

Her treatment plan includes four grueling rounds of chemo.

“She doesn’t complain or cry hardly ever,” Collins said. “Always has a huge smile and has a sense of humor through this all. Even losing hair from chemo she faced with laughter and bravery. I’m so proud of her!”

Isabella is one of five kids. Her mom says she loves soccer, her dog, the beach and camping.

Since the diagnosis, the Dublin community has done what it does best. Friends started a meal train to help the family and an online fundraiser has garnered more than $10,000 since it was launched in December. Click here to donate.

“Her friends and community have been a HUGE support with messages, cards, chemo gifts, wearing sweatshirts ‘Team Bella’ for her, visiting and donating so I can be off work while we fight cancer,” Collins said.

Collins said Isabella is keeping up with her studies from home while working on getting better.

“Her favorite teacher comes to the house for homeschool and hoping to return for promotion. With all her friends. We are so thankful for our wonderful community that has come beside us. We know we don’t walk alone.”

Photos courtesy Amy Collins
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