The latest issue of Bead and Button magazine features an article on page 16 called "String of Achievements". This article is about a program called "Beads of Courage".
"Beads of Courage" awards hand made beads to children fighting serious illnesses as milestone markers during the course of hospital treatment. For instance, a child may receive a bead for sitting through an Xray or a chemotherapy treatment. At the end of the treatment, the child receives a purple heart of courage.
Parents are also given butterfly bereavement beads when a child loses his or her battle with the illness.
The Beads of Courage organization is always looking for donations of beads. I was inspired to create some butterfly and purple heart beads to donate. The web site shows lampwork and polymer clay donations, but I didn't see anything ceramic. I felt this would be a good way to raise the profile of ceramic beads and ceramic bead artists, and also to donate to a worthy cause.
For more information about the organization, or if you are interested in donating beads, visit beadsofcourage.net .
Sharlene, this is such a great post. i will definetly go to their page.
ReplyDeleteThanks Yolanda. It makes me feel good to be able to give my beads to such a program. I think it is great that they are using handmade beads. It makes it so much more personal.
ReplyDeleteI really found your post interesting and your beads that you made for it are great. Recently I taught some young children to make beads, and I was surprised by how enchanted they were by the beads I brought with me. I will check out this program and see if I can give. Thanks Sharlene.
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ReplyDeleteI really should proof read more before hitting that publish button!
ReplyDeleteSharleen, I found the Beads of Courage website a few months ago and have had it in the back of my mind to donate something.
Thanks for highlighting this precious cause!