In March 2023, my son’s CF care team at Nemours in Lake Nona introduced us to the Beads of Courage.
The beads of courage is an organization that supplies and sells unique beads.
Each bead helps to represent something the child goes through during routine medical visits.
My son Anthony has CF (Cystic Fibrosis) and ADHD. He loves earning his prescription beads at his pulmonologist checkups.
Children with cronic illnesses like my son, Anthony, have their own unique story and their bead necklace does this.
We love that each bead tells a significant story on the checkup day they were redeemed.
Every bead tells a story of courage and hope – Beadsofcourage
Every bead indedd tells a story. Anthony has collected meany beads and his necklace tells a story of what occurs at his visits and health checkups.
The CF team gave us this cute blue mice decored bag and beads kit so we can start on Anthony’s bead journey.
It’s been quite the journey, and we are thankful to the Beads of Courage and Nemours Hospital.
By prescribing these beads, they are helping Anthony stay motivated for his checkups.
In this post, you will learn the contents you will receive to log your visits and bead prescriptions.
The purpose of this particular bead system, how it works, and its impact on your child.
Lastly, you will also learn about the Beads Of Courage Company.
Contents of the Beads of Courage Kit
The beads of courage kit includes one blue drawstring bag, two journal pamphlets, and a set of welcome cards and beads.
- Blue drawstring Bag: A pretty blue pouch with multiple laughing mice and the words “hee hee” written repeatedly. This writing and cartoon drawing gives the sash bag a cute look.
- 2 Beads of Courage Prescription Journal: 2 journal booklets for logging all of the visits and bead prescription earnings.
- A set of welcome cards: These cards are beautiful and the welcome message is sweet and encouraging for families and children.
- Black String for Beads: The kit also includes a long pair of black string that is difficult to break. These string are perfect for beads.
- Beads: Your child will receive their first prescription beads during their medical visit! They will receive special beads with their name spelled out and extra beads depending on the visit type.
The Beads of Courage program is a non-profit organization. The program offers unique therapeutic support for children with serious illnesses.
Morevover, parents can also find a bonding tool through the beads program with their child.
The Beads of Courage program is a remarkable initiative supporting children coping with serious illnesses.
Illnesses, including those with cystic fibrosis, are treated at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Lake Nona.
Ask your child’s provider for information on the beads of courage and how to get them discounted or free.
Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:
Purpose of Beads of Courage
- The program aims to help children record, tell, and own their stories of courage. The child creates the stories by using colorful beads as symbols of their medical journeys.
- It provides a tangible way for children to track their treatments, procedures, and milestones.
- It fosters resilience and helps children cope with the challenges of their illnesses.
How Beads of Courage Works
Children receive beads for various procedures, treatments, and milestones, such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Blood transfusions
- CF Related Tests (throat swabs, labs, etc)
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
Each bead represents a specific experience, allowing children to visually document their journey.
The collection of beads becomes a powerful symbol of their strength and courage.
Who Beads of Courage Impacts
- The program provides emotional support and helps children process their experiences.
- It creates a sense of accomplishment and empowers children to face their challenges.
- It also supports families, providing a tangible representation of their child’s resilience.
Organization: Beads Of Courage
Beads of Courage, Inc. is the organization that runs this program.
- They work with hospitals and healthcare facilities to provide this program to children.
- Essentially, Beads of Courage transforms a simple string of beads into a powerful narrative of strength, resilience, and hope.
Here’s How The Beads Work
Symbolic Representation: Children receive colorful beads representing their courage and accomplishments throughout their medical journey.
Milestone Recognition: Each bead signifies a specific milestone, such as:
- Completing a medical procedure (e.g., blood draw, surgery)
- Participating in therapy sessions (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy)
- Overcoming a medical challenge
Storytelling: The collection of beads represents the child’s unique story of strength and resilience.
Empowerment: The program aims to:
- Increase a sense of control and mastery
- Reduce anxiety and fear associated with medical treatments
- Enhance communication between the child, their family, and the healthcare team
Benefits of Prescription Beads for Children With Medical Conditions
Coping with Treatments: The program can help children cope with the challenges of living with cystic fibrosis or other medical conitions. Things such as frequent hospital stays, medical procedures, and daily therapies are common in the lives of children with disabilties.
Building Resilience: The program helps children build resilience and a positive self-image by recognizing their courage and accomplishments. Children can have a daily reminder by their beads.
Family Support: The program can also support families by offering a tangible way to celebrate their child’s progress.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Conclusion
The beads of courage system helped my son look forward to his pulmonologist checkups every three months.
Having cystic fibrosis can be scary for a child. However, Anthony is no longer nervous about what’s to come.
This bead system is perfect for those with unique medical conditions.
Fill in your booklet and discover the meaning of each bead!
Display your child’s necklace proudly and bond together with the power of the motivational beads of courage for kids.
Every bead tells a story, what’s yours? Let’s connect via my facebook, instagram, twittwer, and form.
I will feature your story on my blog!
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Marlenny Linda is more than just a writer; she's a passionate bilingual advocate for families with children with medical conditions. With a background in teaching English (TESOL/TEFL) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, she crafts engaging, SEO-optimized content that informs, inspires, and connects with these families.
Her specialty is long-form content, where she dives deep into the topics that matter most, from navigating educational resources to fostering a fulfilling life for your child. Marlenny's innovative approach keeps audiences engaged and coming back for more.
