Community Helps Young Visitor Return To Island
The Bermuda Diabetes Centre and the island’s tourism community recently came together to help a teenage visitor make a return trip to the island after a previous visit was cut short due to a health scare.
A spokesperson said, “A recent visit to Bermuda that took a heartbreaking turn for a young traveler has transformed into an inspiring story of community, care, and resilience.
“Bridget Marnell, a 13-year-old visitor, arrived in Bermuda with her family in hopes of experiencing the island’s beauty. Instead, she found herself in a terrifying health emergency, leaving her hospitalized and unable to enjoy her long-awaited vacation.
“During her trip, Bridget fell severely ill and was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital [KEMH], where she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a life-changing condition and placed in medical isolation with her mother. In a matter of hours, what was meant to be a memorable holiday turned into a frightening ordeal.
“The team at the Bermuda Diabetes Centre was called to assist Bridget at KEMH, and a heartfelt bond quickly formed between the family and the Centre’s dedicated staff. Working closely with KEMH’s Gosling Ward nurses, Janette Fox, a Diabetes nurse at KEMH, and Dr. Ryan Bates of Wee Care Pediatrics, the Diabetes Centre provided Bridget with the care, education, and support she needed to manage her new diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes.
Bridget Marnell and Meaghan Marnell are welcomed by the Bermuda Diabetes Centre, Bermuda Tourism Authority, and local tourism partners, along with a local mom and her daughter, who have experience with Type 1 Diabetes. Also Kevin Sousa [KS Watersports], Melanie Smith [BermudAir], Kamila Bean [Newstead], Jasmine Furbert [BTA] Melissa Levy, Sara Bosch De Noya [Bermuda Diabetes Centre], and Tashae Thompson [BTA]:
“Together, they ensured that Bridget had the tools and skills necessary to safely navigate her journey back to Boston on a cruise ship. This included teaching her how to administer her first insulin injections and consistently monitor her blood sugar levels.
“Though her Bermuda vacation was cut short, the connection between the family and the staff at the Diabetes Centre endured. Touched by Bridget’s experience, the team at the Diabetes Centre remained in contact with her during her recovery. Determined to turn this experience into something positive, the Centre reached out to the Bermuda Tourism Authority, which rallied tourism community partners to make Bridget’s return to Bermuda a dream come true.”
Melissa Levy, Head Pharmacist at the Bermuda Diabetes Centre, said, “We are so grateful to Bermuda Tourism for their willingness to collaborate with us to bring joy to Bridget’s journey. Moments like these remind us of the power of community and compassion in healthcare. As a charity, the Bermuda Diabetes Association is always thankful for acts of kindness that support our mission of reducing diabetes and improving the lives of all people affected.”
The spokesperson said, “In true Bermuda hospitality, tourism businesses rallied to offer their support and generosity. Newstead Hotel helped sponsor the family’s return stay, while BermudAir graciously contributed to their travel arrangements from Boston. Dolphin Quest, with a personal connection to Type 1 Diabetes through one of their former trainers, organized a once-in-a-lifetime dolphin encounter for Bridget. KS Watersports also stepped in to offer an adventure experience that Bridget and her family will treasure forever.”
Sara Bosch de Noya, Head of Diabetes Education at the Bermuda Diabetes Centre, said, “An initial diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes is an incredibly overwhelming and challenging experience for any child and their family. We were grateful to have been there for Bridget and her family during that difficult time, providing support as they navigated this new reality. Knowing that they now have the chance to return to Bermuda and create positive memories here is heartwarming.
“We are glad this visit has allowed them to enjoy the island in a way they couldn’t before, turning a challenging moment into a joyful experience.”
Tashae Thompson, VP of Experiences at the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA], said, “We are delighted that the community, led by the Diabetes Centre, has come together to make Bridget’s return to Bermuda so memorable. This heartwarming story is a testament to the spirit of Bermuda, where compassion and hospitality truly know no bounds.”
The spokesperson said, “Last weekend, Bridget and her mother visited Bermuda, where they are finally able to experience the island in the way they had hoped. Thanks to the outpouring of support from the community, what started as a devastating experience has transformed into a heartwarming story of care, hospitality and unforgettable memories.”
Miss Levy said, “Our commitment to diabetes care goes far beyond our clinic walls; it’s a passion that drives us to make a difference in the lives we serve. This story resonated deeply with our team, as we often find ourselves intimately involved in our patients’ journeys. Knowing Bridget would face this diagnosis for life, we wanted her to begin this journey with a positive mindset and outlook.”
The spokesperson said, “Tourism stakeholders, Newstead Golf Hotel and Spa, BermudAir, Dolphin Quest, KS Watersports, and BTA came together as sponsors to support the Bermuda Diabetes Centre outreach.”
Bushara K Bushara, General Manager of Newstead Golf Resort and Spa GM, said, “Hosting the Marnell family at Newstead was an absolute pleasure. Our family suite overlooking Hamilton Harbour provided the perfect home base for Bridget and her mom to explore Bermuda—from their visit to Dolphin Quest in the Royal Naval Dockyard, jet skiing from Hamilton, and discovering the Crystal Caves. We were thrilled to support the Diabetes Centre’s incredible work and do our part to make the Marnell’s return truly special.”
Adam Scott, BermudAir CEO and founder, said, “With our direct flights between Bermuda and Boston, joining our industry colleagues to support the Diabetes Centre’s request fully aligned with our community endeavors and our commitment to the island. We see ourselves as Bermuda’s airline as we are the first step to providing an authentic Bermudian experience. It was our pleasure to bring the Marnell family back to the island and help create new and positive Bermuda memories.”
