(Air1 Closer Look) – Yellow beads for overnight stays in the hospital. Black for every needle poke. Colorful glass beads from Beads Of Courage are worn as visual reminders for brave kids fighting pain or disease. “It’s a really cool record for their family,” says Katie Hacker, Director of Engagement. “Something really amazing to see what they've been through together.”
The unique arts-in-medicine program is based in Tucson, Ariz. but serves more than 60,000 children in 400 hospitals in 9 countries. Beads are awarded to children free of charge, supported by the talents and generosity of artisan glass-makers. Hacker says some beads have a particular motif, but many are simply what the artists were inspired to create.
“We only use glass because it represents the weight of our members courage.”
Clinicians are given all necessary supplies by Beads of Courage plus full training on the use of the “Rx card.” The prescription card outlines which color represents each procedure. Medical teams praise the program because they are typically barred from giving gifts to patients, “but this is something special that they can do that's allowed -- it's part of actual treatment.”
For kids and teens being treated outpatient, there is a Beads-At-Home program. Also, for patients who have already recovered but would like to retroactively commemorate that journey, there is 100-bead starter pack. Siblings can also earn special beads.
“You know beads are one of our earliest art forms as humans,” says Hacker, “so when we look back over time, beads mean something to us -- they really signal something in our brains and our hearts -- we want them."
