For many who have received a cancer diagnosis, ringing the Bell of Bravery is a powerful ritual that marks the end of treatment. For those who reach that milestone, it is a moment filled with joy, relief, and recognition. But for many members living with late-stage or terminal cancer, this bell is not part of their experience. There are still victories worth celebrating, yet they often go unacknowledged.
This is where the Little B Bell Project begins.
Gilda’s Club Chicago is honored to introduce this new project, created to honor the small but meaningful wins that occur throughout treatment. The project was shaped by the insight and generosity of longtime member Jeff, along with the creativity of our Art Coordinator, Sophie.
Shortly after Jeff was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a close friend who was also living with terminal cancer gifted him a small bell. It was meant to celebrate the moments that often get overlooked. The days when a treatment goes more smoothly than expected. The hours when energy returns. The quiet victories that do not make headlines but matter deeply.
That simple gift stayed with Jeff. He believed that everyone, regardless of prognosis, deserved a way to mark the progress they were making. He even included the bell in his educational video for members titled “What to Pack in a Chemo Bag” because he knew how powerful it could be for someone to have a way to honor the journey they were on. [Watch Video]
Earlier this year, Jeff and Sophie began working together to formally develop the Little B Bell Project. Sophie created a hand-drawn design for the tag that accompanies each bell, giving the project a visual identity rooted in warmth, awareness, and care. Their shared goal was clear. They wanted every member who is living with late-stage or terminal cancer to feel seen and supported through a meaningful and personal gesture.
Although Jeff passed away in September 2025 before the project could officially launch, his vision never wavered. With the help of the team from Advis, we completed the bells last month. They are now ready to be shared with members who would find meaning in celebrating the small wins along the way.
Who the Little B Bell Is For
The Little B Bell is intended for members who are living with late-stage or terminal cancer. It is not tied to the completion of treatment. Instead, it honors daily courage, quiet strength, and the victories that deserve recognition no matter how small they may seem.
Reasons to ring the Little B Bell:
- Your blood test results came back with positive numbers
- You ate a meal even though you definitely didn’t feel like it
- Every time you complete a treatment
- Had a brave conversation with your medical team or a loved one
- A morning where you feel more like yourself
- Anything you perceive as a win, no matter how small
Honoring Jeff’s Legacy
The Little B Bell Project is deeply rooted in the way Jeff moved through our community. He showed care through action. He encouraged others. He noticed when someone needed support. And he consistently put the wellbeing of others before his own.
Jeff connected meaningfully with many parts of Gilda’s Club. He was first introduced to our organization through art therapy with Sophie. Soon, he was participating in the support group for medical professionals living with cancer, Celtic Mindfulness, and every writing workshop we offered. He also became a beloved member of the Advanced Improv Group. Members and staff remember him for his humor, his honesty, and the steady way he offered support to those around him. His background as a nurse guided him to help others even while facing pancreatic cancer himself, including creating educational videos for our community so that no one would feel unprepared or alone.
The Little B Bell reflects that spirit. It captures Jeff’s belief that every person deserves acknowledgment. It carries forward the generosity, practicality, and compassion he offered so freely. And it ensures that the small wins he celebrated continue to uplift others for years to come.
Request a Little B Bell
If you or someone you love would find comfort or encouragement in having a Little B Bell, we welcome you to reach out.
To request a bell or learn more, please contact our team at info@gildasclubchicago.org.
We are grateful to Jeff for the generosity of his idea, to Sophie for her artistry, and to Advis for helping bring this project to life. The Little B Bell is a lasting tribute to Jeff’s kindness and to the many members who face each day with remarkable courage.