Ben's Bells: Patient grateful for Brownies' efforts

The recipient of this week's Ben's Bell is Brownie Troop 347, which is helping a family with medical bills.

The girls were nominated by Patricia Jordan, a 38-year-old mother of five who is undergoing treatment for an aggressive type of breast cancer. In addition she is also caring for her 3-year-old triplets, one of whom was born with cerebral palsy.

After overhearing a conversation about Jordan's struggles, two of the Brownies decided to forgo gifts at their upcoming birthday parties and ask that money be donated to the Jordan family instead. Others in Troop 347 followed suit. The girls also sold coffee and cocoa to raise money and organized a benefit yard sale. Brownies and their families even prepared meals for Jordan and her family. And they created a Facebook page for Jordan. Their next show of support is organizing a team for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in March.

Jordan met the troop for the first time when they were belled recently.

"All 18 of them - they all wanted to help me and my family," she said. "I didn't have the right words to express my gratitude to these wonderful little girls.

"It's just so much. That is the true spirit of giving and kindness. Their parents have to be so proud of them," said Jordan, who is bracing for upcoming double mastectomy.

Because her treatment will continue for another year, she is considering using the money raised by the troop to pay for babysitting services following surgery when she will need radiation treatments five days a week.

The project

Ben's Bells promote kindness and community. Each week a person who betters Tucson is "belled." Go to http://www.bensbells.org/BellingForm to submit a name. Go to http://www.bensbells.org or call 628-2829 for information. Recipients also are featured on Friday's Morning Blend on KGUN 9.

Contact reporter Kimberly Matas at kmatas@azstarnet.com or at 573-4191.

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Ben's Bells: Patient grateful for Brownies' efforts