Spreading Joy for Jordan: A Citywide Celebration of Childhood Wellness and Literacy

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What if one day of joy could brighten a lifetime of pain? On Wednesday, June 18, Baltimore will come together for the inaugural Joy for Jordan Day, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the joyful spirit of 10-year-old Jordan Reid-el, a brave young girl in hospice care whose love of reading and community continues to inspire us all.

Launched by Brown Girl Wellness, Inc. an organization dedicated to helping families reclaim their narratives and thrive, and in collaboration with the City of Baltimore, Joy for Jordan Day is a citywide call to uplift childhood wellness and literacy. In response to this effort, Mayor Brandon Scott issued a Certificate of Recognition, officially honoring it as an annual moment to uplift children and families like Jordan. 

Jordan’s mother, Terri Butler, recently shared their story on WMAR-2 News, highlighting both Jordan’s strength and a community-wide effort to help her move into a more accessible home. Watch the story here. 

At the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute (UHI), we are honored to co-sponsor this event. We believe that advancing health equity begins with uplifting the voices and well-being of Baltimore’s youngest residents. Joy for Jordan Day represents the kind of community-led care and celebration that strengthens Baltimore. Supporting this event aligns with our mission to promote health, healing, and hope, especially for children like Jordan, whose resilience reminds us of what truly matters.

The Joy for Jordan Day celebration will take place at the Port Discovery Children’s Museum from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will feature family-friendly activities, music, food, and community connection.

Help Brown Girl Wellness pour love into the life of Jordan and her family:

As Jordan’s birthday approaches, you can help make this day even more special by dropping off a birthday card, a gift, or a letter of encouragement to uplift Jordan and her family at the Joy for Jordan day at Port Discovery on June 18. If you are unable to attend, you can still make a donation and include this note: "Joy for Jordan."

There is still time to register to celebrate and honor Jordan. 

Joy for Jordan Day flyer.