The recipient of this week's Ben's Bell is Dr. Barbara Smith, a pediatrician at Tanque Verde Pediatrics.
Smith was nominated by Kristi Enger, whose four kids have been Smith's patients since 2008.
Enger nominated Smith for her compassion and the extra care and attention she gives to her children.
"Some of my children have chronic and often challenging issues," Enger wrote in her nomination letter. "Dr. Smith goes above and beyond in helping me care for them, going so far as to share her cellphone number and advising even after hours."
Smith will also call Enger to check on her children if she hasn't heard from her.
When Enger's 16-year-old son, who has chronic health problems, was admitted to an intensive-care unit last Friday, Smith came to the hospital even though it was her day off, Enger said.
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"We almost lost him," she said.
Enger said the teen is doing better.
But when she was in "panic mode" dealing with the situation, Smith pulled her aside to help calm and reassure her, she said.
"For me to have that kind of compassion turned toward me is absolutely amazing," Enger said.
Enger moved to Tucson with her kids, ages 16, 13, 12 and 8, in 2008 and found Smith by looking through the Yellow Pages. She calls the find a "miracle."
"Dr. Smith's support to me as a single mom is valued above what words can really even tell about, but it is clear that her desire to help others is her top priority in spite of the self-sacrifices she sometimes has to make," Enger wrote.
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 Veronica Cruz at vcruz@azstarnet.com or at 573-4224.
