Governor Bullock Celebrates Montana Student Selected as Children's Miracle Network National Champion

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Governor Steve Bullock today announced Helena student Bella Nyman was selected to serve as a 2020 National Champion for Children's Miracle Network hospitals. As one of 10 champions in the country, Bella will share her experience with mental health issues and receiving treatment to raise awareness for children's hospitals across North America.

"Bella has shown incredible bravery and perseverence to move forward and reach her full potential, and she will make Montana proud," Governor Bullock said. "I'm confident Bella's story and role as an ambassador will make a real difference for the kids who rely on children's hospitals and make it possible for many children to have success stories of their own."

Bella began to struggle with mental health issues at a young age. By the time she was seven years old, doctors diagnosed her with bipolar disorder, separation anxiety, clinical anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her mental struggles made it difficult to attend school and began to impact her day-to-day life. Bella received treatment during two admissions to Shodair Children's Hospital during 2016 and 2017. In addition to support from her parents Jill and Quint Nyman, Bella received treatment from therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, mental health techs, and teachers at Shodair.

"Bella represents an entire population of young people living with mental health issues today and we are proud to stand by her side as she receives this well-deserved honor," Shodair CEO Craig Aasved said. "She will no doubt be an awesome advocate in Montana and throughout the nation in the effort to eliminate the stigma around mental illness."

During her time at Shodair, Bella learned self-awareness, how do to advocate for herself, and other tools she needs to live a happy and healthy life. Bella is a student at the Project for Alternative Learning in Helena. After high school, Bella plans to pursue a career as an esthetician.

Each year, 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals, including Shodair, identify a champion in their communities to serve as the face for children treated at their hospital. From the pool of 170 children, Bella was selected as one of 10 students to serve as an ambassador sharing their medical journey to advocate for children's hospitals across North America.

Children's Miracle Network hospitals offer treatment to millions of sick kids and serve one in 10 children in North America each year. Shodair is the only hospital in the Children's Miracle Network that is a behavioral health facility.

Shodair Children's Hospital in Helena has provided care to Montana families since 1896. The hospital treated 1,800 patients last year.

Learn more about Bella here: https://vimeo.com/324846389

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