MPD Rides To Key West To Raise Money For "Live Like Bella"
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Members of the Miami Police Department geared up early Wednesday for a bike ride down to Key West—all in the name of a 10-year-old girl who died from cancer after years of fighting the disease.
The riders departed for their "Live Like Bella" ride, all in the name of Bella Rodriguez-Torres, from Milam's Market in Coconut Grove Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m.
The crew prepared for several months for the long ride down to Key West to help raise money for the "Live Like Bella Foundation."
Bella,10, fought childhood cancer for several years. Bella made an impact on the South Florida community with her love and passion for life that she exemplified to everyone she met—whether in person or through social media.
"Last year our officers came in contact with Bella, we visited her home many times, we became personal close friends of the family—we even made her chief for a day—and she lost her life a week before we decided to do the ride," said Sgt. Freddie Cruz.
Last June, several members of MPD shaved their heads and rode to Key West. The ride raised $130,000 for pediatric cancer research—this year MDP hopes to raise even more.
For more information, or on how or where to donate, click here or visit www.bella2014.com.