WARNING: Wagon jumping here!
.
.
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.)
Thanks to you and Elly for spreading the word. I’m not watching the clip here because I already used up all the tissue when I watched it from Elly’s blog. Sniff.
Falling recently posted…In No Particular Order
I know! I cry every time I watch it even though I know what is coming…
Okay so I didn’t cry because I was busy being inspired by their courage.
linlah recently posted…surgery for the soul
Yup. 🙂
I never tire of this video and this cause! I’ve sent the link to the segment and Beads of Courage’s website to my mom, who makes glass beads so she can donate some!
Thanks you to and Elly! Your blogs are the gifts that keep on giving!
SisterMerryHellish recently posted…YouTube How-To- L is for Levitate
That is awesome!
Had me at “Lymphoma something…..” As a survivor, it never ceases to amze me when I see a child go through this fight, it is hard enough to do it when you are old enough to understand the terminology and the basic concepts. These are Beads of Beauty! No, of course these aren’t tears, there is a leak above my head.
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Sorry for the leakage… {{{hugs}}}
I saw the broadcast, and was moved.
The beads allow the kids to tell their stories. There is no magic in the glass but there is magic in the witnessing – the story made visible.
secret agent woman recently posted…Winters diamonds
Right on!
you make me all weepy, sniffy, make me hug my kids ( even the one I don’t like)… wow,
ThePittsofBeingPeachy recently posted…uhm yeah- ho whatever
Once in a while even the least favorite needs our love! LOL
Kids with cancer, dad wearing beads . . . sorry, I can’t watch it. Maybe around March, but I am just too much of a cry-baby to deal with this right now.
Diane Laney Fitzpatrick recently posted…The Christmas Letter Im Not Sending
It’s actually uplifting: the beads allow the children a way to tell their stories and to be proud of what they have conquered.
Ah, I am falling apart. These kids are so brave, and this program is so amazing. I just posted your post on Facebook.
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Thanks! That’s what the Interweb can do: spread the word!
not gonna cry again. not gonna cry again. not gonna c
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{{{{hugs}}}} We need to turn that volume way up on that punk rock you are listening to change the mood!
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 gifts
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.
Thanks, sweet pea.
Elly Lou recently posted…Getting Drilled
Thank YOU!
A group of fellow teachers and I choose a charity to donate to each month. I’m putting this one on the list when it’s my turn to choose. Now where’s the flippin’ Kleenex?
Andrea recently posted…White Christmas
I told you to be prepared. You never do listen.
I love this! What a fantastic idea! I’ve been fascinated by the various programs designed to help children with cancer, and this is an incredible program. Letting them tell their story that way, that’s huge.
And yes, I should have watched with kleenex. 🙂
wanderingmenace recently posted…sugar cookies- damn holiday poems- and my bowl full of jelly
You are young, so I figured you would not heed the warning. Living dangerously, eh? 😉
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.
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I completely lost it when the father wearing all the beads came on screen…
Sorry babe for making you NOT cry…