Beads of Courage program offers support for patients
The Hematology, Oncology and Transplant Unit offers the Beads of Courage Program, a support program for children with serious illnesses. Through Beads of Courage, children use beads to tell their stories, symbolizing their milestones and courage.
"These beads are a means for patients, families and staff to visually acknowledge the journey of bravery and hope our kids experience throughout their treatment," said Lisa Krueger, MBA, RN, patient care manager in the HOT Unit.
The program, used in children's hospitals across the nation, helps decrease illness-related stress, uses positive coping strategies and helps children find meaning in their illnesses. Each child starts out with a string of beads that spells out his or her name. Then, colorful beads that represent different milestones are given to them by staff to add to their collection.