An unexpected connection between a Beads of Courage volunteer and a young heart warrior reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
When Nancy Fay sits down at her sewing machine in Tucson, Arizona, she often imagines a child choosing one of her colorful, handmade Beads of Courage bags.
Perhaps it’s covered in dinosaurs, bright flowers, or a favorite character. Whatever the design, Nancy hopes it brings a smile to a child or family facing a difficult time.
What Nancy doesn’t always get to see is just how much those bags mean to the families who receive them.
But one day, a message from a mother in Florida reminded her.
Gianna’s Story of Courage
When Gabby’s daughter, Gianna, was born, life changed in an instant.
After what Gabby had been told was a healthy pregnancy, Gianna was born blue and was transported by medical helicopter to Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. She was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot with an absent pulmonary valve, a complex congenital heart condition.
Gianna began participating in the Beads of Courage Program when she was just one day old.
Through the program, children receive colorful beads that recognize their courage during significant moments in their medical care. Each bead becomes a tangible symbol of courage, helping children and families record, tell, and own their stories.
Now two and a half years old, Gianna has quite a collection.
“They are one of Gianna’s favorite things and such a beautiful reminder of everything she has been through,” Gabby shared.
One day, while adding beads to Gianna’s collection, Gabby discovered a small card tucked inside her daughter’s Beads of Courage bag. On it was the name and location of the person who had sewn it: Nancy Fay.
Gabby decided to find Nancy on Facebook and send her a message.
“I just wanted her to know how grateful we are for BOC & for her,” Gabby explained.
A simple handmade bag had connected two people living thousands of miles apart.
More Than 2,500 Bags, Each Made with Love
Nancy has volunteered with Beads of Courage for approximately 15 years. Her involvement began after attending an event at the University of Arizona where she heard Beads of Courage founder Jean Gribbon speak.
Nancy introduced herself, Jean encouraged her to get involved, and she’s been part of the Beads of Courage volunteer community ever since.
After retiring, Nancy began sewing bead bags for children and families participating in Beads of Courage programs. Over the past decade, she estimates she has made at least 2,500 handmade bags, with a more recent goal of sewing approximately 300 each year.
These cloth bags serve an important purpose. Children, teens, and families of babies receiving medical care use them to collect and safeguard their Beads of Courage before the beads are strung together to tell their stories.
But for Nancy, the bags are about much more than storage.
“I feel that the bags are really fun for the kids to choose from,” Nancy shared. “Such a scary time for kids and families, and I hope that the colorful and kid friendly designs bring lots of joy and a smile to the recipients.”
She added, “I like to imagine the children choosing the perfect bag for them. That truly motivates me for sure.”
And occasionally, Nancy gets to hear what happens when one of her bags finds its way into a child’s hands.
She remembers a mother in Texas who contacted her after adopting a premature baby. The baby’s three-year-old brother had selected a dinosaur-themed bead bag for his new sibling because he loved Jurassic Park.
Another family, whose young son was receiving treatment for leukemia, asked Nancy to make a bag especially for him and another for his older brother. The mother later shared photos of the boys happily holding their new bags.
These moments remind Nancy that the care stitched into each bag reaches well beyond the sewing machine.
Nancy hopes her story will inspire other people who love to sew to get involved with Beads of Courage. She encourages individuals and sewing groups to come together to create handmade bead bags, sharing both the experience and the cost of materials.
“I stress the value of this endeavor and encourage groups to team up and do it together,” Nancy shared.
As a longtime volunteer who also gives her time at the Beads of Courage International Headquarters in Tucson, Nancy knows firsthand how meaningful it is to be part of the organization.
“I feel valued, both with volunteering and sewing for BOC,” she said.
For anyone wondering whether sewing a few bags can really make a difference, Nancy points to Gianna’s story as proof that it does.
Would you like to help? Whether you sew on your own or gather friends, family, or a sewing group, your handmade bead bags can bring smiles to children, teens, and families coping with serious illness.
Learn how to make and donate Beads of Courage bead bags
A Volunteer with a Heart for Children
Nancy’s generosity extends beyond Beads of Courage.
She is also part of the “Aviva Divas,” a group of approximately 25 women who support Aviva Children’s Services in Southern Arizona.
With help from other sewing groups, the volunteers create approximately 3,000 large drawstring bags used to hold children’s belongings when they must leave their homes or experience displacement. Nancy also makes quilts and other handmade items and participates in additional projects to support children.
“I feel it’s so important to give back to my community, and I am grateful for these opportunities,” she shared.
For Nancy, sewing is something she enjoys, but knowing her work can make a difficult day a little brighter gives it an even greater purpose.
Every Bag Holds a Story
What began as a colorful piece of fabric became a connection between a dedicated volunteer in Arizona and a grateful mother in Florida.
Nancy may never meet every child who receives one of her handmade bags. She may never see the beads placed inside or hear every story those beads tell.
But thanks to Gabby and Gianna, she has had a glimpse of the impact her kindness makes.
Each bag is a gift of time, creativity, and compassion, and part of the heArt of our Arts in Medicine program. Inside each one is the potential to hold an extraordinary story of courage.
To Nancy and all the talented volunteers who sew Beads of Courage bags: Thank you. Your generosity reaches children and families in ways you may never fully know.
And to Gianna and her family, thank you for sharing your story of courage and reminding us how meaningful these connections can be.
This story was made possible through interviews conducted by Becca Gladden, a cherished member of the Beads of Courage family who dedicated more than 16 years to creatively sharing our mission and the stories of courage that make it so meaningful. We express our heartfelt gratitude for the lasting impact she made on Beads of Courage.
