Beads of Courage, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization transforming the treatment process for children and teens coping with serious illness through innovative Arts-in-Medicine programs. DONATE TODAY.

Friday, June 30, 2017

Bead Challenge 2017: Make Courage Roar!

Every year since 2008, Beads of Courage has held a fun and interactive challenge that invites you, our supporters, to fundraise and “beadraise” for us.  We believe there is strength in numbers, and we invite you to join us from July 1 – September 30 to achieve our ambitious goals for Bead Challenge 2017:
- To raise $100,000 in support of the Beads of Courage mission
- To gather 25,000 artist-made glass beads for children in the Beads of Courage program
- To increase public awareness of the vital mission of Beads of Courage

The 2017 Bead Challenge features a friendly competition among all 50 states to earn the title of Most Inspired State.  How?  By raising the most funds and donating the most beads during Bead Challenge 2017!  The winning state will be honored with a commemorative Beads of Courage legacy bead showcasing their state. Participate in Bead Challenge 2017 as a donor, fundraiser, bead artist, bead studio, Team Captain, or Carry a Bead participant.

Everyone can be part of the 9th Annual Beads of Courage Bead Challenge!  Visit www.beadchallenge.org to learn more about Bead Challenge 2017 and how you can help.


Follow our friendly mascot, Courage Tiger, on his virtual tour of all 50 states during Bead Challenge 2017.  Courage Tiger will highlight all the incredible work Beads of Courage is doing throughout the US, with features on our bead artists, clinicians, Carry a Bead participants, families, BOC members and more!

The 9th Annual Beads of Courage Bead Challenge supports the mission of Beads of Courage:  To provide innovative arts-in-medicine programs that improve the quality of life for children & teens coping with cancer and other serious illnesses, their families and the clinicians who care for them. Make Courage Roar and participate in Bead Challenge!

- Contributed by Cristal Rogers, Marketing and Communications Intern, Beads of Courage

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Looking Back with Margaret Zinser: The First Bead Challenge

This year marks the ninth year of Bead Challenge, an annual fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. The campaign invites glass bead artists from all over the United States to make as many beads as possible for Beads of Courage! We had the chance to sit down with Margaret Zinser, the former president of the Beads of Courage Board of Directors, to learn more about the first Bead Challenge in 2008.

Margaret discovered Beads of Courage and the Sonoran Glass School around the same time. The Sonoran Glass School is one of a kind in the southwest desert; they inspire and educate people of all ages and backgrounds on the ways of glass making. She knew that she wanted to connect the two organizations, and the best route was through beads!

The Sonoran Glass School hosted the first Bead Challenge, then known as Bead-a-thon, in 2008. Twenty talented glass artists came together and made beads and raised $15,000 in just three days! Margaret did not know what to expect from that first Bead Challenge, and remembers the happy exhaustion from their bead marathon. She was happy with the turnout and success of the event because she felt it brought together community creativity and engaging fundraising between two nonprofit organizations.

Margaret is an extremely talented glass artist with a website full of vibrant and intricate pieces inspired by nature. She began to pursue glass bead making after earning her Master’s Degree in Entomology. Her studies influenced her, as butterflies, beetles, and caterpillars started showing up in her work. Today, Margaret works full time creating beautiful glass pieces that you can see here.

Thank you, Margaret, for your support and love for Beads of Courage and the Sonoran Glass School; the first Bead Challenge would not be possible without you! To learn more about this year’s Bead Challenge, and to make a donation to support your state team, click here.

Monday, June 26, 2017

Woodturners Around the World Support Beads of Courage

Beads of Courage attended the American Association of Woodturners Symposium this past weekend in Kansas City.  Over 1,000 woodturners from across the globe gathered to share their knowledge and learn more about their craft. Beads of Courage is honored to receive some of their beautiful works of art to be used as bead bowls for Beads of Courage members.

 
What is woodturning? Woodturning is an ancient craft that utilizes wood to create beautiful pieces of artwork. Using a lathe (a big machine that spins a piece of wood), many tools, and talent, artisans turn a block of wood into a beautiful creation. Since 2014, woodturners across the country have been using their talent and time to create sacred vessels for Beads of Courage members. Their donated boxes and bowls go to children and teens coping with serious illness and serve to keep their Beads of Courage safe and beautifully housed. Even though each box or bowl can take hours to make, woodturners have opened their hearts and donated over 4,200 bowls to our members to keep their beads safe. 


At the 2017 AAW Symposium, we collected 148 stunning bowls. We were overcome by the tremendous passion and support of our mission from the woodturners we met. Our most sincere thanks go to all woodturners who help make healing happen. 

If you are a woodturner and want to get involved with Beads of Courage, you can find more information here. If you are a member of our program or a caregiver who is interested in receiving a handcrafted bowl for your beads, contact Haley at haley@beadsofcourage.org to learn how!

Friday, June 23, 2017

Beads of Courage on the USS Tucson

Beads of Courage is excited to announce a recent collaboration with the USS Tucson Submarine! The crew of the USS Tucson, a nuclear-powered Navy submarine in active service, will soon be carrying artist-made glass beads on board as they venture out to sea. Like our Beads in Space program, we are excited to have Beads of Courage travel to a place they have never been before. We hope that "Beads in the Deep Blue Sea" reminds our members to stay calm under pressure and "seas" the day!

We are asking our bead artists to create unique beads that represent what they think of the deep blue sea and send them our way. For more information regarding the beads, please go here to learn more.


Our thanks to the USS Tucson 770 Club for sponsoring "Beads in the Deep Blue Sea," and to the entire crew of the USS Tucson SSN 770 for making this adventure a reality. Beads of Courage loves to collaborate with other groups and organizations, and if you think yours might be interested, reach out to us at info@beadsofcourage.org to get started! 

- Contributed by Cristal Rogers, Marketing and Communications Intern, Beads of Courage

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Eagle Scout Project Benefits Beads of Courage

On April 14, 2017, Beads of Courage unveiled the new Bead Learning Center. This space serves as a central hub where the community can learn about beads and bead making while supporting the mission of Beads of Courage! The goal of the newly established Bead Learning Center is to provide education, community engagement and volunteer opportunities around the theme of beads. Tommy Sendek completed work on the space for his Eagle Scout project. We had the chance to talk with Tommy about his motivation and inspiration for the Bead Learning Center.  
Tommy first learned about Beads of Courage when his older sister received beads during her cardiac treatment. He saw the impact that the beads had on her and knew how great Beads of Courage was in helping children and teens, like his sister, cope with their treatment journey. Entering his last year in Boy Scouts, Tommy decided to complete an Eagle Scout project. He asked the Beads of Courage team how he could help, and the Bead Learning Center was the perfect project! 
Tommy recruited about 20 other scouts from his Troop #299, and created a beautiful space. Together they put in new flooring, ceiling, cabinets, counters, and painted the walls.
When we asked Tommy why he chose us for his Eagle Scout Project, he simply said, “Not only can I help the community with a place like this, but I can also help the organization that is doing so much for the kids.” Tommy graduated from high school in May 2017, and plans on going to Grand Canyon University and majoring in Marketing in the fall.
Thanks, Tommy, for creating the Bead Learning Center! Beads of Courage loves and appreciates the support and hard work of our volunteers. Learn more about other opportunities to support the mission of Beads of Courage through volunteering, donations, or community engagement here
- Contributed by Cristal Rogers, Marketing and Communications Intern, Beads of Courage

Monday, June 19, 2017

Student Project Helps Beads of Courage

We love to see students at all levels use their knowledge and brainpower to help Beads of Courage grow! Two students at the University of Arizona did just that through their student organization, and even made it a2ll the way to the international competition.

Haley is the President of the University of Arizona DECA chapter– an international association for high school and college students preparing them for professions in marketing, tourism, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. Students can compete in different business scenarios, and Haley, with her partner Steven, competed in the prepared Business Research event. They conducted marketing research on Beads of Courage, and made it all the way to the International Career Development Conference!

Haley and Steven analyzed social, local, and mobile marketing strategies to develop a marketing plan for Beads of Courage. While most groups analyzed large for-profit corporations, Haley and Steven decided they wanted to do meaningful research that could be helpful to Beads of Courage.

The project was broken down into three major steps, to include academic research, local surveys, and a social media post analysis. After over 80 hours of research, tracking, reading, and surveying, Haley and Steven prepared a nine-month social, local, and mobile marketing plan for Beads of Courage.

Haley and Steven’s time intensive project paid off! They took home 1st place at the DECA Arizona State Career Development Conference, and 2nd at the International Career Development Conference. Thank you and congratulations to Haley and Steven for helping further the mission of Beads of Courage. If you are a student and want to get your club or class involved, reach out to us at info@beadsofcourage.org to learn how you can help!

Friday, June 16, 2017

Intuit Employees Gather to "Bead Supportive"


June 12-16 was Service Week at Intuit in Tucson, Arizona. Intuit is a business and financial software company that develops and sells financial, accounting and tax preparation software. Intuit has had a relationship with Beads of Courage for several years, and we are always excited to visit their Tucson office and provide volunteer opportunities. Beads of Courage was excited to engage with the Tucson office through our Strength Bracelets and Courage Clips!

Over 30 Intuit employees participated in our Strength Bracelet program. Each participant made two bracelets, one to keep, and one to give back to us for a member of our program. Each bead has different symbolism, and each person chooses the design of the bracelets. We give these Strength Bracelets to Beads of Courage members on rough days of treatment as a special boost of encouragement.

More than 40 other Intuit employees made Courage Clips. Participants learned about the history of beads and strung their own beads to keep. They then decorated an Art Card for us to package with an Act of Courage bead for our members. Their drawings and messages were incredible and powerful, and they will encourage the child or teen that receives them!

Thanks, Intuit, for incorporating Beads of Courage into your Service Week. Your support and participation helped dozens of children and teens coping with serious illness to record, tell, and own their stories of courage. Are you looking for a way for your organization to participate? Contact us at info@beadsofcourage.org to learn how you can make Strength Bracelets and Courage Clips in your office or classroom!

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

1,000 Origami Cranes Community Art Project

On April 19, 2017, Beads of Courage unveiled the 1,000 Origami Cranes Community Art Project. This project celebrates the life and legacy of Beads of Courage member Kelsey Luria, who lost her battle to Acute Myeloid Leukemia in April 2015. Known as “Queen Bee” to her friends and family, Kelsey was a ray of sunshine and positivity throughout her treatment journey. Her family continues to remember her through the Bald Beauties Project and spreading her joy for life through art. 

In April, volunteers from the Tucson community came together to fold one thousand origami cranes in honor of Kelsey, guided by her aunt Coppelia Tarantal. Japanese legend says that people with the patience and commitment to complete the project will be granted a wish. Together, we will hold a wish for children and teens coping with cancer and other serious illnesses to find a cure, happiness, and strength throughout their journey. The community turnout was inspiring and, in three weeks, over 1,500 cranes were folded and strung from the ceiling at Beads of Courage Headquarters.


Thank you to all the supporters who joined us in celebrating the life of Kelsey Luria! The installation is located at our headquarters: 3230 N. Dodge Blvd., Suite J, Tucson. Beads of Courage loves to engage the community to honor and commemorate the courage of children and teens coping with serious illness. Make a tax-deductible donation today to support Beads of Courage’s efforts to help children and teens record, tell, and own their stories of courage!

- Contributed by Cristal Rogers, Marketing and Communications Intern, Beads of Courage

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

June Bead of the Month - Featured Artist Jackie Marr


Beads of Courage loves our generous and valued bead artists! We sat down to talk with one of them, Jackie Marr, who designed our June Bead of the Month! 

Jackie discovered her passion in a beginner’s course on bead making. She learned the meditative, creative, and therapeutic values that accompanied glass artistry. She discovered Beads of Courage at the International Society of Glass Beadmakers conference known as The Gathering. She wanted to help Beads of Courage so she could play a part in a child’s healing process and bring them joy through her beads.

Not only does Jackie make beads at home, but she also has her own studio, Kiss My Glass, in Santa Cruz, California. It first opened about 35 years ago and has grown over the years to include mosaic, fusing, bead making, and more. This studio not only holds classes, but hosts amazing teachers from all over the United States. Kiss My Glass is a huge supporter of Beads of Courage, and during the annual Bead Challenge, Kiss My Glass routinely wins awards for their bead donations and fundraising efforts! 

When asked what her inspiration for the June Bead of the Month was she said, “I create ocean scenes in glass art often and so the Beach theme bead was a natural extension for me. I particularly liked varying the swirly air and the waves in each bead because every day is a little different yet beautiful.” 

Thank you Jackie for your endless support, and for creating the June Bead of the Month! You can keep up with Jackie and her studio Kiss My Glass on Facebook or on her website. People like Jackie help us to support children and teens coping with serious illness around the world. You can support Beads of Courage by purchasing the June Bead of the Month. Stay tuned for July's Bead of the Month!

NOTE:  The Beads of Courage Bead of the Month features exclusive limited-edition wearable art supporting the mission of Beads of Courage. The Bead of the Month series offers a new, limited-edition handcrafted glass bead each month of the year. These beads have been commissioned by Beads of Courage especially for this new series, and only 100 of each bead will be created. Don't miss this opportunity to purchase an exclusive new piece of wearable art each month. Your purchase supports the mission of Beads of Courage, a 501(c)3 organization providing arts-in-medicine supportive care programs for children coping with cancer and other serious illnesses. 

Monday, June 5, 2017

#TravelTuesday with Beads of Courage!

Beads of Courage has many ways for community members to support children and teens coping with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. One of these is our Carry a Bead program. In each Carry a Bead kit, you will find two handcrafted glass beads on a safety pin.  Take these beads on an adventure or activity that is meaningful to you. Return one to us with a note of encouragement for a child who participates in the Beads of Courage Program.  Please include pictures of your experiences while carrying the bead to share your journey with a child in treatment.  Keep the other bead and the Team Beads of Courage charm as reminders of your impact!  We will send your returned bead and loving note to a child or teen in our program who is coping with serious illness. Your note and bead provide a much-needed boost of encouragement on a rough day of treatment.  Receiving a bead that has been carried is spirit lifting, which can be lifesaving in the moment.  You will be letting a child know that they are not alone in their fight for life!

From July 1 through September 30, the Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger, will travel around the United States for our annual Bead Challenge! Courage Tiger will make his way through all 50 states and will take breaks on each Tuesday (traveling can be exhausting!). We are looking for travel bloggers to share their adventures on these days, through a short (150-200 word) blog post and pictures on social media using #beadstrong, #carryabead, and #traveltuesday! If you are a travel blogger who is interested in supporting our cause, please apply at this form for a chance to receive a free Carry a Bead kit to use on your upcoming travels!

Be a direct source of encouragement for children and teens coping with serious illness through our Carry a Bead Program. No adventure is too small! Share your stories with us on social media using #beadstrong and #carryabead.

- Contributed by Cristal Rogers, Marketing and Communications Intern, Beads of Courage

Friday, June 2, 2017

Making Hikes Matter More!

At the beginning of the new year, Amy Edwards was looking for a challenge. When she saw the #52hikingchallenge on social media, she knew she could hike one trail each week of the year, all while carrying a bead for Beads of Courage. Her requirements were simple: First, to hike on a dirt trail at least a mile long. Second, never to repeat hikes, so that each one is a new trail. Third, to carry her beads on each hike.
Amy has been carrying beads for Beads of Courage for years, and wanted to carry beads on her hikes to provide strength and inspiration from her journey. She has ventured from the Lost Dutchman State Park to the Superstition Mountains to the top of Picacho Peak, and plans to hike Humphrey’s Peak, the tallest in Arizona, in a few weeks!
Amy takes each hike step by step, and gets a second wind while carrying beads. Amy said, “I have definitely gotten inspiration from my beads when I've been on tough trails. I always think of a child who doesn't have the option to quit and must endure more painful experiences than me when the trail gets too steep or too long.” She is about halfway through her challenge, and she plans to complete all 52 hikes while carrying her beads to give the child more strength to keep up their fight on a tough treatment day.
Thanks Amy for sharing your story and carrying beads! Be sure to keep up with her on Instagram at az_nature_lover to see the rest of her hiking adventures. No adventure is too big or small to carry beads! Each adventure with beads encourages the children and teens who receive them. If you want to provide encouragement to a child in treatment, please Carry a Bead on an adventure that is meaningful to you!

- Contributed by Cristal Rogers, Marketing and Communications Intern, Beads of Courage