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Marlins join in the 'Live Like Bella' campaign

MIAMI -- The inspiring story of a young girl's battle with cancer reached Marlins Park on Wednesday.

The organization paid tribute to the courage and spirit of Bella Rodriguez-Torres, who passed away on Tuesday at age 10 after a six-year bout with cancer.

To honor her memory, the Marlins hung a jersey with #LiveLikeBella on it in their dugout before they faced the Rays at Marlins Park.

Bella's bout with the disease made news and prompted Miami Heat superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to recognize her determination during the NBA playoffs.

James and Wade wore shoes with "Live Like Bella" written on them for Game 4 of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals matchup on Tuesday night against the Indiana Pacers.

Marlins manager Mike Redmond's life was changed by cancer when he lost his father to the disease in 2000.

"You guys obviously know about my experience with cancer and my father," Redmond said. "Being a part of the community down here, I know this has been a story that's touched so many peoples' lives. I just thought it was appropriate we got a jersey for her and kind of honored her.

"It has affected my life, cancer, losing my dad. A story like that out of such a young girl, 10 years old, obviously, touched me. We just felt it was the right thing to do, the appropriate thing to do to honor her."

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro.
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