Brownie Troop Treats Girl with Sweetness for the Season

Each year, the girls of Brownie Troop 60275 look for ways to give back to their community or others in need. When troop leader Becky Kelly read the story of 7-year-old Rosie Colucci, their newest cause came into focus.

Kelly learned about how Rosie, who was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer at the age of 3, strives to fill the lives of fellow pediatric patients with levity and love, through her charity Rosie's Toybox. With long stretches of time spent at Children's Memorial Hospital during treatments for neurofibromatosis, Rosie set her sights on surrounding other children in pain with distraction and comfort.

Kelly was moved by Rosie's passion and decided to ask her troop to chip in by collecting spare change. The girls began collecting in October and reached a grand total of $235 (and 65 cents) in time for 's Dec. 10. Kelly contacted Rosie's mom to ask how they could present them with the check—and Rosie ended up joining in the tree lighting and parade festivities.

The troop was thrilled, but worried at first.

"They were concerned for her health, because it was going to be so cold," Kelly said. "They were relieved and excited to see that she was just like them, just like a normal 7-year-old."

Rosie is on a break from treatment, as doctors pause before a fourth round of chemotherapy, her mother said. She was thrilled to join in Oak Forest's festivities. 

"Just the fact that they called, invited us to come out for the parade—we were so excited to meet the girls," Colucci said.

"It was just such a fun experience, so great that the girls at such a young age they wanted to help. They were a sweet little group of girls."

Rosie receives, then gives back. It began during her initial days in the hospital, when they were receiving toys, gifts and stuffed animals—too many to take home. Rosie decided to leave them behind for other kids in the oncology unit. She also donates blankets and toys to the emergency room at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

"It's just been really positive in a negative situation," Colucci said. "Just the fact that she was able to turn it into something positive is amazing to us."

In addition to her toy donations, she also contributes holiday decorations and her style, to turn oncology units festive. It was like the "cherry on top of the sundae," then, when the Brownies' tree won first place in the city's decorating contest, Colucci said.

The girls were ecstatic about winning, Kelly said, and thrilled to have Rosie with them for the day.

"The girls were so excited to see her and meet her," Kelly said. "My girls are just such sweet girls, they have such big hearts."

For more information on Rosie's Toybox and how you can get involved, visit Rosie's website.