Beads of Courage
Beads of Courage is an organization dedicated to help children coping with cancer and serious illnesses, their families, and hospital staff by helping them record, tell, and own their stories of courage. Children receive a different bead to represent each procedure or treatment experience they go through while receiving treatment for a chronic/ life threatening illness. For example: A red bead for each blood transfusion; a yellow bead for every night they stay over at the hospital; a star for surgery; white for chemotherapy. Their collection of beads becomes a tangible journal of their journey. Each child collects hundreds of beads.
Wood turned bowls or boxes made by artists will be given to local children to keep their beads in and be a daily reminder that someone they may not know is sending them well wishes.
Fabric artists and quilters can also contribute by making cloth bags for the kids in Beads of Courage. All of this information is on the Beads of Courage website under the "artist" category. www.beadsofcourage.org
CBS MORNING NEWS did a segment on Beads of Courage, you can see it here: cbsnews.com
The MWA AAW chapter would like to compete against the Arizona chapter of the AAW to make wooden boxes for this wonderful organization.
Guideline specifics for woodturners:
In order to hold the beads, turned boxes for the Beads of Courage program need to be about 6 inches in diameter (5 inches minimum), rectangular lidded boxes about 4x6x4 inches. If possible, have Beads of Courage engraved or burned in the lid. Make sure the lids are easily removable. Also, finials should be easy for a small child to grasp and not too elaborate. Each donating artist will receive a certificate of gratitude from Beads of Courage.
BOB AND DIANE PUETZ WILL COLLECT COMPLETED BOWLS AND DISTRIBUTE TO LOCAL HOSPITALS.
Thank you for your support, your efforts and generosity will bring smiles to the faces of kids that need a little extra courage!