'Take Covid Seriously,' Family Says Of Girl Who Died Of The Virus

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI — A family grieving the loss of a 13-year-old girl, who died of complications from COVID-19, is asking people to protect themselves from the coronavirus.

Family and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's office identified the teen as Bella Pape, of Cedarburg.

"On Valentine’s Day we lost a true angel warrior, Bella Pape, to COVID," according to a GoFundMe fundraiser set up to assist the family with funeral expenses. As of Thursday, the fundraiser raised $7,200.

Bella had Kabuki syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects many parts of the body.

"The love, purpose, strength, and joy that Bella and her family epitomized and shared during Bella's life-long battle with Kabuki Syndrome cannot be measured," according to the GoFundMe.

Pape also had end stage renal disease and a liver transplant in 2017, the medical examiner's office said. She had received the Pfizer vaccine in June and July 2021.

The Pape family asked others to "take COVID seriously" and to protect themselves and each other.

"Katie [Pape] fought tirelessly for her daughter and for all kids. She is deeply driven to make the world a better place. Thank you, Katie. We will all be better humans for having known Bella, and we remain here for you and your family," the GoFundMe said.

Patch reached out to the Pape family on Wednesday. Donations to the fundraiser can be made here.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional sponsor.