About Bravery Beads

Bravery Beads help children with cancer. At the beginning of treatment, young patients receive a cord and lettered beads spelling his or her name. After each treatment milestone, that child receives a bead to string onto the necklace.

About Childhood Cancer

• The National Cancer Institute notes that in 2007, more than 10,000 children 15 and younger were diagnosed with cancer.

Bravery Bead Program

• The Bravery Bead Program is supported by volunteers who raise funds, donate beads and restock supplies.

Function

• Each color of bead or bead type represents an aspect of treatment, such as red for a needle stick, green sparkle for a bone marrow aspirate and fuchsia for a lumbar puncture.

Benefits

• Bravery Beads offer a reward system. A girl may be more willing to face treatment because she knows she'll receive a bead. The beads give courage, boost confidence and inspire communication.

Effects

• The necklaces, some measuring yards long, give children a visual aid to help them tell their stories to classmates, friends and relatives. A classmate who may be afraid to ask about hair loss may be more willing to talk about the beads.