My step-son Landon was born with Mitochondrial Disease. Throughout his childhood, he's had numerous hospitalizations, blood work, and other tests which were often scary and painful. Beads of Courage helps children like Landon to tell their story through custom, donated beads. Each bead has a meaning, and as the child's journey with their disease reaches milestones such as accomplishments, setbacks, medical procedures/treatments, even travel to hospitals and clinics; they get a bead to represent that milestone. Each bead has a specific meaning: some are for pain, some for surgeries, medical tests, blood work, and some represent triumphs and victories against their particular disease. Sometimes, beads make a special journey, such as going into space, running the Iditarod, or accompanying donors on adventures - those beads are especially cherished. Every bead is hard earned, often in blood, sweat, and tears.
Beads of Courage kids are taught to be proud of their journey, and they have a visual reference to show themselves, their family, and their friends how far they've come and how well they've done. BoC is a local Tucson charity, located at Fort Lowell and Dodge. The next time you're in the area, feel free to stop by to see their work, maybe pick up a "Carry a Bead" to take on your next adventure, and to show your support. You can even volunteer to help them package beads for shipment.
Please help Beads of Courage to serve more children like Landon with your donation today. They keep costs as low as possible - artists donate beads and volunteers are used to sort and stuff envelopes. Even a dollar or two will help to send beads to medically fragile children
Beads of Courage
Join Team Beads of Courage and RIDE FOR COURAGE in the 38th El Tour de Tucson on November 20, 2021! All we ask is that you raise $450 by October 20, 2021 to officially make the team! Benefits include your El Tour registration fee paid by us, exclusive Team BOC cycling apparel, a pre-race team party* and much more. Best of all, you'll experience the awesome feeling of knowing you’re making a difference in the lives of children coping with cancer and other serious illnesses. Make your miles matter more when you RIDE FOR COURAGE with Team BOC!
(*pending COVID restrictions)
The mission of Beads of Courage is to provide innovative arts-in-medicine programs for children coping with cancer and other serious illnesses. Through our flagship Beads of Courage Program, children receive colorful beads that visually symbolize moments of courage along their treatment journey. Our organization improves the quality of life of more than 60,000 children receiving treatment for a serious illness in 400 children's hospitals in eight countries. Be part of our #beadstrong community and help children record, tell and own their stories of courage!