BEADS OF BRAVERY

Bravery Beads is a programme designed to support and strengthen the protective resources of children coping with childhood cancer. Children participating in the programme are awarded beads which visibly attest to their courage in undergoing, often repeatedly painful and frightening treatments.

These visionary programmes allow children to show their difficult paths with bravery,and pride. Bravery Beads strengthen the resilience of children with cancer by giving them a new bead to mark each milestone in their treatment journey. Everything from blood transfusions, chemotherapy and hair loss is documented with a different type of bead so children have a tangible reminder of each step in their treatment programme. The programme aims to minimise the adjustment difficulties related to the treatment of childhood cancer through visually acknowledging the courage needed to undergo every procedure.

The programme allows children to use the beads as a way to communicate their experiences during and after treatment. Instead of internalising fears, children use the beads to interact with others experiencing treatment, as well as parents, siblings, friends and treatment providers.

The original programme, Beads of Courage, was started in 2004 by Jean Baruch, a former oncology nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The programme has since been adopted by hospitals worldwide and is currently being introduced in New Zealand treatment centres.

The Child Cancer Foundation is aware of the benefits of these programmes and wishes to sponsor all children undergoing cancer treatment within New Zealand to participate in the original Beads of Courage. Currently only children recently treated at Starship Children’s Health Haematology/Oncology Unit have had the opportunity to take part in a similar programme.

The Foundation is currently liasing with the Beads of Courage coordinators in the United States and working with New Zealand health professionals to look at how the programme can be introduced to local treatment centres throughout the country.

This year during the Child Cancer Foundation Annual Appeal, New Zealanders will have the opportunity to donate $4 or more and receive a “Support Bead” to assist with the funding of the programme. These beads are available from street collectors or in store at the Mad Butcher, JK Kids Gear, Hyundai, Retravision or Professionals Real Estate Outlets or from Child Cancer Foundation street collectors.

For more information please contact:

Brie Elder
Phone: 021 369 066
Email: briannae@mangocommunications.co.nz