Turning Brave Moments Into Something You Can Hold
BY SARAH FABER

For children and teens facing every appointment, procedure, and brave moment matters. Beads of Courage, Inc. helps turn those experiences into something tangible and meaningful one This Arizona-born nonprofit is dedicated to improving quality of life for young patients and their families through Arts-in-Medicine programs that use colorful beads as symbols of courage, resilience, and personal triumph. Each bead represents a milestone big or small allowing kids to literally see their story of courage grow as their strand lengthens.

The organization was developed by Jean Gribbon while completing her PhD at University of Arizona, inspired by both her clinical practice and time spent as a camp nurse at Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. The first Beads of Courage program launched in 2003 at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. What began as a local pilot quickly grew into a model now used in pediatric settings in nine countries while still remaining deeply personal for every child and family served.

Here in Vail and the greater Tucson area, Beads of Courage offers several ways for neighbors to get involved. Their Tucson “Forever Home” serves as a volunteer hub where community members help prepare bead kits, organize materials, and assemble encouragement items that are sent to children in hospitals and at home. Programs like Beads at Home allow families not connected to partner hospitals to still participate, while Carry a Bead invites supporters to take a bead along during an activity or event, then return it to BOC with a handwritten note so it can be given to a child in the program, creating a powerful message of connection and hope for a child facing hard days.

One of the most meaningful moments, shared often by families, comes when a child looks at their growing strand and says, “Look what I’ve made it through.” Those beads become a visible story of bravery, something they can hold, share, and feel proud of.

Beads of Courage serves children and teens coping with serious illness, their families and the care teams who support them, along with the volunteers who make the mission possible. Looking ahead, the organization is focused on expanding its Arts-in-Medicine programs while growing community-based opportunities like Beads at Home and Carry a Bead, keeping their Forever Home a welcoming space for service and connection.

If you’re searching for a meaningful way to give back, there truly is a place for everyone here. Beads of Courage looks forward to welcoming our supportive community as several events are hosted throughout the year, like 3.14 pi day and many others. Whether you volunteer, carry a bead, or simply help spread the word, your support makes a lasting difference for local children and families walking incredibly brave journeys.

To learn more about Beads of Courage and their events or to find out how you can get involved, visit beadsofcourage.org.

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