Beads of Courage®
The Beads of Courage® programme provides a physical story of a child’s journey, recognising their strength and courage. Each bead represents a treatment (for example chemotherapy, injections, scans); an experience (hair loss, isolation, fever) or milestone (completion of treatment).
The first bead each child receives from their Family Support Coordinator is a hand-carved pounamu bead from Ngāi Tahu Pounamu. These beads are unique to the programme in New Zealand and are hand-carved by eight different Ngāi Tahu carvers.
Brothers and sisters of children with cancer can also participate in the Beads of Courage® Sibling Beads Programme. This programme acknowledges positive behaviour and helpful attitudes.
Families can find out more about the Beads of Courage® programme from their Family Support Coordinator or by visiting the Beads of Courage® website here.
