When children undergo treatment for serious illnesses, needle sticks, x-rays and hospital stays are all painful episodes to be endured. Beads of Courage® is a program that awards these brave patients with beads to represent each milestone.
Initially created to help children endure cancer treatment, the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh was the first cardiac program in the country to adopt Beads of Courage® in support of children with congenital heart disease. Patients receive a necklace with their name and a bead symbolizing the cardiac program. With every milestone in a patient’s treatment, beads are added to help tell a story of understanding, acceptance, and survival unique to each child’s journey. These colorful beads are worn proudly by patients or their families as a symbol of courage. They are a constant reminder to take each procedure one day at a time.
The Heart Institute works closely with the Beads of Courage® organization to ensure the quality of the program is maintained and the needs of our patients and families are fulfilled. Additional resources, including the program’s history and ongoing research are available at Beads of Courage®.
How You Can Help
Beads of Courage® has brought strength, joy, and a tangible sense of hope to our patients and families battling life altering heart disease. A few dollars goes a long way in helping to provide these necklaces of bravery to our patients. Your donations help ensure the stories of our patients’ and families’ journeys are heard for years to come.
For more information or to make a donation please call the Heart Center at 412-692-5540.
In the News
Beads tell a story: Young cardiac patients collect keepsakes of their string of medical milestones
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (06/19/07)
