Bella Brown gets big birthday bash

Bella Brown had a double-digit celebration fit for a princess — and she has a tiara to prove it.

Bella turned 10, and the community created a special day of events to celebrate the monumental birthday of the young survivor. The Winter Garden resident was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and epilepsy and had three open-heart surgeries by the time she was 3.

Family friend Bill Vitanyi arranged the July 26 birthday party. He has become close to Bella and her family — mom Jeannette, dad Sean and two older brothers — since meeting them seven years ago.

“It was organized by me simply because she deserves happy memories and … the family is special to me and all that know her,” Vitanyi said.

The celebration was held at Newton Park and was full of gifts and surprises. Anitra Manning, Mrs. Florida US Majesty 2019, visited with Bella, presented her with rose gold cupcakes with edible frames and photos, and crowned her with a glimmering tiara.

Winter Garden Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Buchanan read a proclamation for Bella that highlighted her illnesses; her surgeon, Dr. William DeCampli; her milestone birthday; her love of swimming, biking, and playing soccer and basketball; her ability “to live with great strength and spirit”; and her parents’ encouragement to “reach for the stars and not limit her life.”

EFoam created a giant gold key with a decorative “WG” on top to replicate a key to the city of Winter Garden.

The proclamation was signed by Mayor John Rees and dated July 26, 2020; Buchanan presented it to the birthday girl.

One of the biggest surprises was a visit from Dr. DeCampli, who wore a Superman T-shirt under his jacket, not because he thinks he’s Superman, but because Bella has been in the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children’s Superheroes Hall of Fame for seven years.

The day also included the red-carpet treatment — literally — as one was rolled out, leading Bella to a white, horse-drawn carriage courtesy of Susan Wilhelm-Nastasi and Soul Haven Ranch Carriage Services.

Publix provided a strawberry shortcake for the party, too, Vitanyi said.

“I did this and many other things over the years because she's so special and it's a great feeling to see her and the family smile and be happy,” Vitanyi said. “My goal is to have her become the face of blood donating. Ever wonder what happens to your blood that's donated? Well look at Bella.”

Vitanyi has called her Super Bella ever since he met her and presented her with a cape from TinySuperheroes. The pink cape, emblazoned with a giant yellow B sewn on the back, allowed her membership into the TinySuperhero Squad. She was one of the first 100 children to get hers from the organization.

Vitanyi said he has been compelled to honor Bella all these years because of one thing she taught him: “Just try to be kind.”