What began as a life-changing medical emergency led to a teenager’s dream Bermuda vacation.

A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Tourism Authority said 13-year-old Bridget Marnell fell severely ill while visiting the island with her family on July 21.

She was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Bridget was placed into medical isolation with her mother.

Nurses from the hospital’s Gosling Ward, paediatrician Ryan Bates, diabetes nurse Janette Fox and the Bermuda Diabetes Association team taught Ms Marnell several ways to manage the condition, including administering insulin and monitoring blood-sugar levels, and ensured that she could safely return to the United States.

The spokeswoman added: “Touched by Bridget’s experience, the team at BDA remained in contact with her during her recovery.

“Determined to turn the experience into something positive, BDA reached out to BTA, which rallied tourism community partners to make Bridget’s return to Bermuda a dream come true.”

Melissa Levy, the BDA head pharmacist, 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.”

BermudAir arranged the Marnell family’s flight from Boston last weekend, Newstead Belmont Hills sponsored their hotel stay and Dolphin Quest and KS Watersports provided unforgettable experiences for them.

Bushara Bushara, general manager of Newstead, explained: “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 mother 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 BDA’s incredible work and do our part to make the Marnell family’s return truly special.”

Adam Scott, founder and chief executive of BermudAir, said: “With our direct flights between Bermuda and Boston, joining our industry colleagues to support the Diabetes Association’s request fully aligned with our community endeavours 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."

Tashae Thompson, BTA vice-president of experiences, was pleased to see the community collaborate to make the family’s return trip so special.

She said: “This heart-warming story is a testament to the spirit of Bermuda, where compassion and hospitality truly know no bounds.”

Sara Bosch De Noya, BDA head of education, highlighted the challenges Type 1 diabetes can bring patients and their families.

She added: “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 heart-warming.

“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.”