Beads of Courage, Inc.

The mission of Beads of Courage is to provide innovative arts-in-medicine programs that improve the quality of life of children coping with cancer and other serious illnesses. Our vision is to advance the science of caring.

For the past 20 years, Beads of Courage has helped hundreds of thousands of children and youth experience hope and healing while undergoing treatment for cancer, congenital heart defects, serious chronic illnesses such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia, burns and traumatic injuries, as well as families with a baby in the NICU. Every bead we give to a child enrolled in the flagship Beads of Courage program is spirit-lifting, which can be lifesaving in the moment.

Meet Anderson, Anderson was born with a critical congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. He has had four open-heart surgeries and eight cardiac catherizations. His mom says, "Anderson's beads tell his amazing story of courage and strength. They remind us how far he's come, and will continue to tell his story of life with half a heart. We Love Beads of Courage!"

Join us as we unite in love and support for the mission of Beads of Courage and all the courageous kids we serve. Thank you for sharing your love with the children and families we support!

Donate $45 or more and receive our "I love Beads of Courage" strand with our heartfelt gratitude! Each heart bead represents the conditions and experiences of the children and teens we support through our Beads of Courage Flagship programs. Gifts of $250 or more will be designated as a Beads of Courage Aspire Donor with our gratitude provided by the opportunity to select an artist-made bead from our Hall of Fame artists to be hung on our Aspire sculpture in Tucson, AZ, name or name of person you wish to honor on our Aspire plaque and a matching bead to keep or gift.

Testimonials

Love the idea of Arts in Medicine. It's amazing how something as small as a bead can bring such joy to a child. However, it's not only children that reap the benefits. This organization allows the children, their siblings, family members, caregivers, volunteers, and staff of Beads of Courage to all have joy in their heart. Kudos to you! - Margie B.

Our entire family is so grateful for Beads of Courage and the support they have shown our 10-year-old daughter. She was struggling so severely with medical procedures and anxiety. After starting her bead journey, she can physically hold and see her accomplishments, and the fear and anxiety are melting away! What a fantastic organization! You make a HUGE difference! - Kathy T.

I can't even begin to tell you how much this program has done for my son!!! He was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic germinomas of the brain in 2009 at the age of 9. Beads of Courage gave him joy, as well as a way to show friends and family what he was going through. This program is amazing! Thank you so, so much! -- Janel P.

These are so much more than just beads. They give hope, strength and courage to not only the child going through treatment, but to us as the parents as well. It makes me happy to see that he understands what he has been through and is now willing to talk about it because of the beads. -- Ashley F.

Gigi's Beads of Courage really helped her out during her hospital stay and open heart surgery. It's a brilliant idea and a great way for little ones to see all that they have accomplished. - Chase S.