There is no shame on the bandwagon if it is for a worthy cause

WARNING: Wagon jumping here!

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I learned of Beads of Courage from BugginWord, a charity that I have never heard of until today. The main program is based on a concept so “simple” yet so brilliant (’cause many probably thought to themselves: “Why didn’t anybody think of this sooner?!”) that is making a huge impact on the lives of young cancer patients directly.

The idea is straightforward:

Give beads to children coping with cancer and other serious illness. Allow them to tell their stories through these beads.

I was doubtful at first. “Beads?” I thought to myself, immediately conjuring up the images of teddy bears given to children in the hospitals around the world during Christmas season. Teddy Bears are nice. Yes. But I can only imagine the comfort to be temporary. How is it going to make any ACTUAL difference? And with BEADS?

Watch this video segment from CBS Morning News and you will understand why I was totally blown away by and could not stop telling anybody about what this organization is doing for children around the world and the power of, yes, beads.

(Warning: Elly wrote “Prepare to cry” after the link. I did not heed her warning for I was an idiot this morning. Be warned.)

29 thoughts on “There is no shame on the bandwagon if it is for a worthy cause

  1. alejna

    My nephew has been getting Beads of Courage since starting his treatment in April. When I visited my family in June, he had already collected quite a few, and I was very moved by them. He showed them to me, and pointed out his special beads, and told me about some of them. It really does help to have something tangible (besides the scars) to show for all of the work and ordeals he has been through. My sister wrote about my nephew’s beads a few months ago (here), and posted a few pictures of Diego with some of his beads. He’s racked up quite a few more since then. My fingers are crossed that he will be earning his final beads soon.

    I don’t think I will watch the video right now because the topic is still too fresh for me. But I appreciate your plugging for this organization, as they really are making a difference.
    alejna recently posted…Tikoli tea towels make cool giftsMy Profile

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    1. Absence Alternatives Post author

      Alejna, thank you so much for sharing Diego’s story and the link to your sister’s post. Looking at his pictures (what an angelic face!) and the number of the beads made me teary. The sight of these beads really makes it clear how much these kids have gone through. The visual impact is simply breath-taking. I think of Diego and your family often (I do read your posts whenever I get them in my inbox). Best wishes to you and family.

      Reply
  2. dufmanno

    After I watched this and pretended that the worlds largest speck of dust had flown into my eye causing great distress and freely flowing tears I clicked the links on their page and donated.
    What a wonderful cause and a great bandwagon as far as I’m concerned.
    And NO, I AM NOT STILL CRYING. A lot.
    dufmanno recently posted…Melting Clocks and Delores ClaiborneMy Profile

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