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.

Monday, July 31, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 31: The Austin Shepherd Foundation

I made it to Minnesota! We have 4 member hospitals up here, Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic-Rochester, St. Mary's Children's Hospital, Erick Peter Person Children's Cancer Center, and University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital! 

Austin Shepherd Foundation visiting members
There is a lot in the works in Minnesota, and we are working with the Austin Shepherd Foundation to bring Beads of Courage to more children and teens coping with cancer and other serious illnesses. The Austin Shepherd Foundation has funded the Beads of Courage program at Children's of Alabama, and we are working together to add more programs of support at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. 

The Austin Shepherd Foundation started in 2011, and they coordinate hospital visits with local celebrities and provide football tickets to patients and their families. They also fund cancer research! You can learn more about the work they do by visiting their website.

Austin visiting a Beads of Courage member
The Austin Shepherd Foundation began working with Beads of Courage through the Carry a Bead program in Alabama, when the University of Alabama football players wore Carry a Beads at their practices. They then visited local hospitals with their story cards to visit Beads of Courage members! 

The Austin Shepherd Foundation definitely Makes Courage Roar! Be sure to participate and fund the mission of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, and don’t forget to use #beadstrong on social media to show your support.

Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 30: Running with Carry a Bead

I am in North Dakota! As I was driving through I saw that there aren't any member hospitals in this state yet, but there are still so many Beads of Courage supporters who Make Courage Roar here! 

In Fargo, there is a giant event known as the Fargo Marathon, and it includes so many different types of races. There are cyclothons, the Furgo Dog Run, and so lots of distance runs! The Fargo Marathon is even a Boston Marathon qualifier, so it's a pretty big deal. 

One of the amazing Carry a Beads sent to a BoC member!

Throughout the years, we have received so many Carry a Beads back from participants in the Fargo Marathon. Whether it was from the 5k, 10k, or even the Furgo Dog Run, lots of Beads of Courage supporters carry beads during their race and send them back to us for a child or teen coping with serious illness. 
A supporter who carried her bead at her first full marathon!

Thanks to all of the supporters that have carried beads during the Fargo Marathon! You can also support Beads of Courage by participating and funding the mission of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge! That's it from North Dakota, but check back tomorrow for another great story.

Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.


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

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 29: Carry Beads of Courage!

I am in South Dakota, known for Mount Rushmore and its many hiking trails! Although we don't have any member hospitals in this state, I am so glad that I brought my Carry a Bead so that it could be here at Mount Rushmore with me.

Mount Rushmore is such a sight, and I wanted to make this adventure matter more by carrying a bead. Did you know you can Carry a Bead on any occasion that is meaningful to you? Whether it is at Mount Rushmore or your own backyard, you can share your experience with one of our members on a tough day of treatment. The Carry a Bead kit is a great way to share your inspiring adventures and activities with a child or teen coping with serious illness. Check out the awesome Carry a Bead video below to learn more about how our program works! 

Participate in the 9th Annual Bead Challenge by funding the mission and helping children and teens around the world coping with serious illness.

Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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

Friday, July 28, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 28: Glass Beadmakers in Nebraska!

I am in Nebraska for another day, and I have an exciting story to tell! The Midwest Lampworkers Guild is here in Omaha, Nebraska, and they have supported Beads of Courage for many years. In 2016, the Midwest Lampworkers Guild donated over 400 beads to Beads of Courage! 
Last year's Art in the Bag hosted by the Midwest Lampworkers!

This October, the Midwest Lampworkers Guild is holding a silent auction called Art in the Bag! The proceeds from the silent auction support a Beads of Courage member hospital, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, in Nebraska. They will be making their tickets available soon, and if you want more information be sure to check out their website! At the past Art in the Bag, the guild raised $4,000 for the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. If you are going to be in Omaha in October, be sure to get a ticket to this awesome event and support Beads of Courage.

Whether it is a studio, a guild, or even just you, our supporters make a difference in the lives of children and teens around the world. Even if you cannot hold an open studio, or a silent auction, you can make a contribution to the 9th Annual Bead Challenge. Every donation supports the children and teens coping with serious illnesses. That's it from me today, check back tomorrow!

Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 27: Child Life in Nebraska

I’m not in Kansas anymore, I'm in Nebraska! Did you guys know that Beads of Courage has one member hospital in this state, and it's Children's Hospital & Medical Center. I stopped to visit, and I had the wonderful opportunity to talk with Melissa, a Child Life Specialist here at the hospital.
Melissa and Gwen with her Beads of Courage

Melissa and I talked about how Beads of Courage gives a way for patients to tell their stories. She told me that “they look forward to collecting their beads each week and adding to their strings.  I also think it helps the parents, some of the parents get really into the beads, I think it helps them cope with what is happening to their child.” Melissa told me that Beads of Courage even helps shy patients to talk about their treatment and everything that they have gone through.
Gwen receiving Beads of Courage

Melissa thinks Beads of Courage is important as a Child Life Specialist, saying:
“It helps families and patients open up about their treatment journey, which can tell me how to better serve them.  It also helps me touch base with every family every week.”

Melissa is so awesome, and definitely Makes Courage Roar! To insure that Child Life Specialists like Melissa have beads to help their patients, be sure to fund the mission and participate in the 9th Annual Bead Challenge!

Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 26: Over the Rainbow

Hey everybody! I am in Kansas today, and there are no member hospitals in this state yet. Even though there aren’t any member hospitals here, you can still support the 9th Bead Challenge while I am in Kansas!

While I was in Kansas, I found a nice basket to rest in, and when I woke up, I wasn’t in Kansas anymore! I started to wander around and found Kristen! Kristen told me about this wonderful place, and showed me a beautiful bead! 


Courage Tiger with the Joy Bead
Kristen showed me the Joy Bead that was designed not too long ago. Kristen told me that if joy were a bead, it would look like “Being happy, life, love, laughing, finishing chemo, spending time with friends and family.” Kristen handed me this beautiful bead and sent me up in a hot air balloon that went over a rainbow that look just like the Joy Bead!

When I woke up, I was still in my basket, but it seemed like Kristen was actually there with the Joy Bead! I am going to have to get one now because it’s so pretty and I need to have one! Kristen’s Joy Bead is still available in our store! Thanks Kristen for making a beautiful bead, and for Making Courage Roar! Support Beads of Courage and our programs by funding the mission during the 9th Annual Bead Challenge!

Joy Bead
Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 25: #TravelTuesday with Casey and India!

You know what today is? #TravelTuesday! That means I get to tell you all about one of our amazing supporters who carries beads on her travels, just like I am! Casey Sheppard discovered Beads of Courage while giving a workshop in Arizona, and she instantly fell in love with our program.
Casey and India the adventure dog!

Casey started a project in 2015 called Case of the Nomads. She converted a Ford Transit Connect (a mini cargo van) and loaded up India the adventure dog. They left Los Angeles to travel all over the United States. They drove to different cities and towns to discover new things and visit with locals, connecting with art, bikes and more! Casey has even traveled all over the world with her Carry a Bead, and is  taking them to New Zealand in 2018 for the Tour Aotearoa! Casey told me:
Casey's Carry a Beads

“No matter if I’m facing heath issues, van liftin’, lecturing or doing a solo bike camping trip I may still be scared but I am no longer alone. Behind each bead lies a kid that unknowingly is giving me strength through their bravery, through their courage. Thank you to all the kids, families and Beads of Courage for your love, strength and support that is passing throughout the world.”

 Thanks, Casey and India, for taking Carry a Bead all over the world. To keep up with Casey and India on all of their adventure be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram! This is all for this #TravelTuesday, check back tomorrow from more updates from my road trip!

Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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



Monday, July 24, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 24: July Bead of the Month

It’s me, Courage Tiger! I want to tell you about one of our amazing bead artists, Lezlie Foster, who designed and created the July Bead of the Month. She is a fantastic supporter of Beads of Courage and I was so lucky to talk with her about her beads! Lezlie told me that July reminds her of fun summer days when she would blow bubbles and try to catch them. She even said, “Bubbles are a lot like life, so fragile and beautiful but also so filled with wonder and fun!”

Lezlie Foster creating beads!
Lezlie found Beads of Courage through an online community that provided insight and encouraged her with her work. Lezlie has been making donations for a few years and said that she “fell in love with the program and the kids and I soon started making beads especially for them.”

Lezlie works on her honeycomb jewelry in her recluse studio in the Rocky Mountains. Even though she is currently working on different glass projects such as display pieces and other non-bead projects, she said that she will always love making beads, especially if it is for our kids and teens going through treatment!

July Bead of the Month
Thanks Lezlie for creating such wonderful beads for our children and teens that are coping with serious illness. If you want to keep up with Lezlie and her beautiful work, be sure to check out the July Bead of the Month and keep up with Lezlie and her studio on Facebook, Instagram, Etsy, or on her website. That's it from me. Check back tomorrow for the next road trip update!

Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 23: Carry a Bead in Colorado

I made it to Colorado today! Here in Colorado there are four member hospitals: Children’s Hospital Colorado, Memorial Hospital for Children, and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center. 

Today, I met with one of the first people that participated with our Carry a Bead program! Soley has been a strong supporter of Beads of Courage from the beginning, and she has been carrying beads for years.

Soley has carried beads all over the world, from Mexico to Iceland! Soley’s family has also carried beads through hockey and lacrosse seasons. Her hockey organization carried over 100 beads to encourage our members with cancer and other serious illnesses. Both the hockey and lacrosse teams carry beads during their practices and games as a reminder to give it their all, and know that they are playing for more than themselves. When the teams return their beads, some of them actually go to the hospitals and talk to some of our members:

“Last year our lacrosse team met a patient who also played lacrosse, they ended up playing board games and talking lacrosse. It seems to lift the spirits of the kids in the hospital to have visitors, and it gives the players a great perspective and reminder of why they carry the beads.

Thanks Soley for sharing your story with me, and for Making Courage Roar! Support Beads of Courage and our programs by funding the mission during the 9th Annual Bead Challenge!

Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 22: Beads in the Mail in Utah

It's me, Courage Tiger, on this lovely Saturday and I'm making a pit stop in Utah. Did you know that Beads of Courage doesn't have any member hospitals in Utah? We still support children and teens coping with serious illness all over the state through our Beads in the Mail Program.


Beads in the Mail member Simon
Usually, caregivers administer our Beads of Courage program in hospitals. We support over 280 children's hospitals all over the world! We do not (yet!) support every children's hospital in the United States, so there are still children and teens coping with serious illnesses who cannot get Beads of Courage at their hospital. We still support hundreds of these amazing and strong fighters by mailing them beads right to their doorstep. Isn't that exciting?! 

Through Beads in the Mail, we help more children and teens record, tell, and own their stories of courage. This program, like so many other programs offered by Beads of Courage, relies on the generosity and support of people like you. You can help fund the mission by participating in this year's Bead Challenge. That's it from Utah! Check back tomorrow for another awesome story about the amazing impact of Beads of Courage.


Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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

Friday, July 21, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 21: Wandering Wyoming and Finding Fossils


Happy Friday! I'm in the state of Wyoming today, and we have no member hospitals here quite yet. Even though we aren't in any hospitals here, that doesn't mean that Beads of Courage hasn't seen the beautiful sights of Wyoming. Beads of Courage Ambassador Geoff Notkin took his Carry a Bead beads here when exploring the wonders of the state. Geoff is an Emmy Award-winning television host and producer, and has published hundreds of articles on meteorites, paleontology, and so much more! Isn't that so cool?!

Geoff with his beads after an episode!
Geoff hosted an awesome show called "STEM Journals" where he went on all kinds of adventures. In one episode, he was digging for different types of fossils.  While in Wyoming, Geoff found all kinds of dinosaur fossils. While recording his show, he carried beads for members of our programs on tough days of treatment! On his second season, all his carried beads were shaped like meteorites. Whoa! Geoff is a huge supporter of Beads of Courage and has carried over 80 beads for our members. He even went to one of our member hospitals to hand out meteorites to a few of our members. 

Be sure to check out the episode where he travels to Wyoming to see all kinds of awesome fossils! 

Thanks, Geoff, for supporting Beads of Courage and carrying beads on your adventure. You can support Beads of Courage too by funding the mission today through our 9th Annual Bead Challenge. That's it from me today, see ya later!


Geoff with his beads during an episode!
Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 20: Celebration of Courage at Kalispell!



I'm visiting Montana today, and lots has been going on up here. We have three member hospitals up in Montana: Billings Clinic, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, and St. Vincent Healthcare.

While I was visiting Kalispell Regional Medical Center, I was able to meet with Carri, a pediatric Social Worker! As we talked, she told me the huge impact Beads of Courage has had on patients, and the power it holds to help patients and families visualize and talk about their journeys. She told me that even the hospital staff share in the excitement and are excited to help patients show their treatment journey in such a beautiful way. When I asked her about how she has seen Beads of Courage help members, she shared a wonderful story about one of her patients:

“For one particular young child, the program appears to have contributed to improving his emotional state and engagement with others. This child initially presented sullen and quiet, and now we see him more interactive and smiling.  He looks forward to knowing there is a tangible object for each step in his treatment and is eager to share these experiences with others.”


At Kalispell Regional Medical Center, they use Beads of Courage as a multidisciplinary approach. Carri said that as a social worker, she sees how families use their beads differently while they talk through challenges and celebrate successes. Carri also told me that she likes that “anyone can give beads and patients are excited to receive the beads. It brings awareness, joy, and connection!”  


Thanks, Carri, for sharing your stories with me! If you want to Make Courage Roar like Carri, be sure to participate and fund the mission of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge!


Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 19: Courage Roars in Idaho!

I made it to Idaho today! Passing through I met one of our members who is part of our Beads in the Mail Program! Beads of Courage is not in any hospitals in Idaho yet, but that doesn't stop us from helping children and teens who live there! 

Kellen is one of the members we support in Idaho through our Beads in the Mail Program. We ship his beads right to his front door since he does not receive them at his local hospital.



Kellen has been receiving beads for over three years for multiple chronic illnesses, such as Eosinophilic, Esophagitis, and Growth Hormone Deficiency to name a few! When I asked about what his favorite bead on his strand was, he looked at it and said “All of them! I like them all! I get them for being strong.” Along with the beads he receives with his program, Kellen has received Carry a Bead before as Act of Courage on tough days of treatment. He loves hearing all the fun stories that are behind the cool beads he receives! Before I left, Kellen told me why Beads of Courage was important to him: "I’m thankful because people think I’m important like my mom and dad."


Thanks Kellen for sharing your story with me, and for being a member that Makes Courage Roar! To help members like Kellen receive their Beads in the Mail, be participate and fund the mission through our 9th Annual Bead Challenge!

Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

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