The recipient of this week's Ben's Bell is the staff of Broadway Bicycles.
The staff, nominated by Jackie Parham, modified a stroller for her great-nephew that would accommodate his medical needs.
In her nomination, Parham wrote: "My great-nephew is almost 2 years old. He has had an incredibly hard time of it so far in his short life. He was born at only 1 pound 9 ounces. He was in NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) for four and a half months. While there he had multiple surgeries and blood transfusions and lots of close calls.
"Our family calls him our miracle baby. His name is Ryan and he is so very special." Ryan's mom, Cheryl Allred, purchased a stroller that converts into a little yellow tricycle, but it did not have space to accommodate the suction machine that goes everywhere with Ryan to clear his tracheotomy tube, Parham said.
People are also reading…
Ryan's uncle is a mechanic at Broadway Bicycles, and he and the staff modified the stroller/trike to meet the needs of the family. They improved the steering, put on better tires and added a metal basket to the back where the suction machine is carried.
"Even though it took months of working a little here and there, they finally completed the task and it is fabulous. Everyone donated their time and some even donated parts they paid for themselves," Parham said.
The project
Ben's Bells promote kindness and community. Each week a person who betters Tucson is "belled." Go to www.bensbells.org/BellingForm to submit a name. Go to 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.
Tucson's El Güero Canelo for sale
