By: Joshua Finley

Raymond Rodriguez-Torres has worn many hats over his decades-long career: pharmaceutical sales representative, biotech executive, nonprofit founder and CEO of a home healthcare company. But it was the premature loss of his young daughter Bella, that catalyzed Raymond’s transition from successful pharma executive to tireless pediatric cancer advocate.

Early Career in Medical Sales

Raymond’s early career was spent working in medical equipment and pharmaceutical sales, primarily in Latin America. As he puts it, “I had the privilege of working in the beginning of my career in medical supplies and equipment, primarily in Latin America. That was a wonderful learning experience in the early part of my career that involved distribution of medicines, medical equipment, equipping of hospitals, in particular turnkey type of projects in Latin America.”

Seeking better work-life balance as he started a family, Raymond transitioned into roles at major players in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry like Roche and Genentech, ultimately rising to an executive position before unexpectedly finding himself at a dramatic crossroads.

In 2007, his then four-year-old daughter Bella, suddenly became paralyzed overnight. After an extensive medical investigation, Bella was diagnosed with metastatic stage four rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive pediatric cancer.

“At four years of age, our daughter Bella was diagnosed with stage four rhabdomyosarcoma,” Raymond recalls. “Her life expectancy, at that time, was a matter of weeks to months. And she was never expected to ever walk again.”

Bella’s Battle with Cancer

Despite the devastating prognosis, Bella valiantly battled her cancer for six years. Raymond leveraged his pharmaceutical industry connections and relationships to pursue treatment options worldwide. Though Bella endured countless rounds of radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries, she miraculously regained the ability to walk, run and play.

Raymond reflects, “Amazingly, with excellent medical care and a great deal of support from around the world, Bella didn’t just live a few months. Instead, she battled valiantly for six years.”

Tragically, after six relapses, Bella ultimately passed away in 2013 at the age of 10. However, the grace and optimism with which she approached her cancer ordeal sparked a global movement to “Live Like Bella” – to meet adversity with faith, courage and selflessness.

Founding “Live Like Bella®”

In the depths of grieving Bella’s passing, Raymond found inspiration in the mission she embodied. On the night Bella died, NBA superstars LeBron James and Dwayne Wade honored her life by writing “#LiveLikeBella” on their shoes during a nationally televised playoff game. The tribute sparked a viral social media movement. Soon after, Raymond had a serendipitous meeting with then- Vice President Joe Biden and later, President Barack Obama during which his family resolved to carry forth Bella’s legacy.

“It was at that moment, my family, and I decided that we needed to follow in her footsteps. And do what she would have wanted and that was to serve others. Particularly to tackle the number one disease killer of children, which is childhood cancer,” Raymond shares.

And so, from the garage of the Raymond’s family home, the nonprofit “Live Like Bella® Childhood Cancer Foundation” was born. Though Raymond volunteers his time, he serves as Chairman of the Board, overseeing the organization’s work funding pediatric cancer research, providing financial assistance to affected families and paying for the burial of children lost to cancer worldwide. To date Live Like Bella® Childhood Cancer Foundation has made possible  tens of millions for childhood cancer research and provides assistance to cancer families in 38 countries and across the USA.

Lessons in Leadership and Life

Reflecting on Bella’s brief but brilliant life and the evolution of his career, Raymond shares insights applicable to business leaders and beyond:

• Lead with Purpose – Whether leading a multinational pharmaceutical company, a regional home healthcare provider or a global children’s cancer nonprofit, maintain focus on the greater mission.
• Trust Everything Happens for a Reason – The trials and triumphs of life’s journey all serve a purpose.
• Focus on Being of Service – Making the greatest positive impact on employees, customers and community trumps self-interest.
• Inspire Greatness in Others – Rodriguez Torres shares, “I have found it more effective and extremely more powerful, to light a fire within someone then under someone.”

Carrying On Bella’s Legacy

A decade after Bella’s passing, her spirit continues guiding Raymond’s work improving outcomes for children with cancer.

Raymond dreams of the day he’ll be reunited with Bella once more. “I know that I will see her again and I believe that the next time I see that smile will be in heaven and I believe that she will be well pleased with what we did to try to help her friends fighting cancer.”

To learn more about Raymond Rodriguez-Torres, check out his LinkedIn profile.

Published by: Martin De Juan