About
Beads of Courage® Flagship Program:
The Beads of Courage Flagship Program is a powerful, resilience-based intervention that provides emotional support and encouragement for children and teens facing serious illnesses, as well as their families. Adopted as the standard of care in more than 400 children’s hospitals worldwide, this program helps children and teen tell their courageous stories through colorful beads—each representing their courage and a milestone in their medical journey.
How It Works
Upon enrollment, each child receives a Beads of Courage Bead Prescription, a guide that outlines the significance of each bead. Their journey begins with a string of beads spelling out their name. From there, every bead awarded represents a moment of courage during treatment—given by their healthcare provider or ordered online through our Beads at Home program - based on the Bead Prescription. With each bead added, children and teens can RECORD, TELL, and OWN their stories of COURAGE, creating a lasting symbol of their resilience and courage
A Meaningful, Evidence-Based Program
Developed in collaboration with healthcare experts—including nurses, doctors, child life specialists, and social workers—each bead prescription is thoughtfully designed to acknowledge the bravery displayed throughout a child or teen's medical experience.
Why It Matters
Research shows that the Beads of Courage Flagship Program helps to:
- Reduce illness-related distress
- Encourage positive coping strategies
- Help families find meaning in the illness experience
- Restore a sense of self and encouragement
Most importantly, these beads provide a tangible and lasting way to honor each moment of courage, creating a meaningful and personal story that lasts beyond treatment.