Beads in the mail
Beads In The Mail (BITM) Program
Through our Beads in the Mail (BITM) Program, we are honored to support children and their families in the US who do not have the opportunity to receive Beads of Courage® at their current hospital or clinic.
Currently, we have a waiting list for the Beads in the Mail Program. By completing the BITM Application Form you will be added to our waiting list (map) and contacted about eligibility.
We have put in place an option to have someone sponsor a child in the US into the Beads in the Mail Program through our Wingman sponsorship program, which eliminates the need to be on the waiting list.
New Beads of Courage® members enrolled from the BITM waiting list or through a Wingman are caught up from past treatments, using a “100 Bead” Catch-Up Process where we give a “100 Bead” for every 100 past moments of courage.
If you would like all past beads or do not qualify for the BITM Program, you or a loved one can make a donation for the beads at cost through our Bead for Bead Program. This is also the best option to get beads as an adult or get beads outside the US.
Thank you for your interest in the Beads of Courage® Program for your child!
Beads in the Mail Program – FAQs:
Q: What is the best way to apply for the Beads in the Mail Program?
A: You can apply via the online Beads in the Mail Application here. You should receive a response within a week of applying with more information about the BITM waiting list.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible for the BITM Program?
A: The BITM Program Manager will determine eligibility. Here are the general criteria:
- Age- those that are 21 or younger at the time of enrollment.
- Diagnosis- Frequent hospital stays or medical treatment needed.
- Location- In the USA
- Hospital- Does not have BOC at your hospital or department of the hospital.
Q: What if I don’t qualify for the BITM Program due to age or condition?
A: If you do not meet the eligibility, you may be able to participate in the Bead for Bead (B4B) Program. B4B is great for adults or those that are overseas.
Q: How long is the BITM waiting list?
A: The waiting time varies depending on available sponsors and funding. In the past, it has been up to 1 year. Thanks to several donors, it is around 6 months. You can check to see your status on the waiting list on this map which is updated around the 1st and 15th of each month. You can also use this map to sponsor kids from a certain region. This is for the USA only. International interests can inquire about the Bead for Bead program.
Q: Can I avoid the BITM waiting list?
A: The best way to avoid the BITM waiting is to find a Wingman to sponsor your child directly into the BITM Program. You can even sponsor your own child!
Q: Can I receive beads from past treatments?
A: We use “100 Beads” in place of every past 100 treatments. Please look over the “100 Bead” Catch-Up process. However, you can sponsor all past beads through the Bead for Bead program.
Q: How do I receive beads once I am enrolled in the Beads in the Mail program?
A: You will receive the Welcome Email with the appropriate Bead Prescription attached and the link to our online BITM Bead Request Form.
Q: How do I know what beads my child has earned?
A: Upon enrollment, the Welcome Email will have an attachment with the appropriate Bead Prescription. The second page of the Bead Prescription will show you what each bead symbolizes. You can use that Bead Prescription as a guide to tally beads. We recommend that you do your best to estimate. It does not have to be exact, and we do not need to know the dates of treatments.
