Be a Warrior for Brave Kids
Warrior Spirit Sculpture—Honoring the Warrior Spirit of Beads of Courage Kids and Teens
The Warrior Spirit sculpture, created and donated by Tucson artist David Hamilton, stands as a powerful tribute to the courage of children and teens in the Beads of Courage Program. Formally dedicated on World Beads of Courage Day, September 15, 2026, this striking work of art embodies the bravery, perseverance, and willpower shown by kids and teens coping with cancer and other serious illnesses.
Children in the Beads of Courage program are often described by friends, family, and caregivers as “bead warriors,” a testament to their awe-inspiring bravery, perseverance, and sheer will to live. The essence of a warrior radiates from this sculpture effortlessly, capturing the spirit of brave kdis who visually record, tell, and own their stories of courage with every bead they receive.
A Sentinel of Courage at Beads of Courage Headquarters
Standing just outside our Bead Pharmacy, Warrior Spirit has a commanding presence — a sentinel guarding the beads that provide a powerful dose of narrative medicine that strengthens the warrior spirit of children and teens as they record, tell, and own their stories of courage.
Standing about seven feet tall, Warrior Spirit is a visually commanding piece, with a head reminiscent of the blazing desert sun, a colorful torso incorporating vivid stained glass, a wire-wrapped turquoise heart, and a sturdy base. A collaboration with Tucson glass artist Nanette Charif added arms made of authentic Beads of Courage beads, just like the ones children in the program receive to chronicle their treatment journey and honor their courage.
Become a Warrior for Brave Kids
The sculpture stands proudly alongside our Warriors for Brave Kids donor recognition wall, created to honor our generous donors who believe in beads and our arts‑in‑medicine mission to strengthen humanity and transform the science of human caring.
The Warrior Spirit not only honors the courage of children and teens — it also symbolizes the community of supporters who choose to stand with them. As part of our donor recognition program, individuals who make gifts of $1,000 ore more are honored as Warriors for Brave Kids, joining a community committed to ensuring children and teens have the beads they need to record, tell, and own their stories of courage
About the Artist: David Hamilton
David Hamilton (davidhamiltonart.com) is a Tucson‑based artist known for creating original works from repurposed materials that carry the history and legacy of the Southwest. His background spans acting, modeling, photography, and fine art, with pieces featured at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. His philosophy — inspired by Stella Adler’s words, “Art is the uplifting of humanity” — shines through in the generosity and spirit behind this gift.
David was moved by the mission of Beads of Courage after learning about it from his fiancée, philanthropist Janine du Plessis. “I am inspired by how strong the kids are as they go through the [treatment] process. How can you not empathize with that? It’s a scary thing. You’ve got to be strong, and you’ve got to have some people behind you. I’m very humbled and very honored just to be there.”
“This is actually one of my favorite pieces,” said David. “The children are responding to it because it’s a warrior. I’m excited to see that my piece has moved and helped families battling cancer. It’s been so cool for me and I’m really honored.”
Before moving to Tucson, Hamilton’s wide-ranging background included acting, modeling, photography and more. He has provided art for the famed Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan and studied acting with world-renowned teacher Stella Adler and at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. He has appeared in feature films with Mark Ruffalo, Kathleen Noone and Stevie Nicks, and as a model in Cosmopolitan and GQ magazines, as well as in numerous advertising campaigns. Along with his art pursuits, he is passionate about competitive off-road racing.
When you visit David Hamilton’s website, you’ll be met with a quote from his former acting instructor, Stella Adler, which epitomizes his philosophy as an artist and attests to his kindness and generosity: “Art is the uplifting of humanity.”
Beads of Courage is incredibly grateful for David’s uplifting Warrior Spirit sculpture and the humanity behind it.
At our International Headquarters, Warrior Spirit will stand in a place of honor as a sentinel near our Bead Pharmacy, where beads are thoughtfully assembled to help children and teens record, tell, and own their stories of courage.
The sculpture will also become part of a new donor recognition at Beads of Courage, honoring both the brave kids whose courage is represented by their beads and the generous supporters who choose to Be Warriors for Brave Kids by helping provide beads for children coping with cancer and other serious illnesses.
Become a Warrior for Brave Kids Today