This is Sammie D.
He's one tough cookie.
See all those beads?
"Every bead tells a story of strength, honor and hope."
"Every bead tells a story of strength, honor and hope."
He earned one for each time he went through a procedure, surgery, etc.
He's actually due a few more for than you see here. We're not going to go into all the heart wrenching things this little man has had to endure, but here's a glimpse of how far he's come in a mere 18 months.
Heart Warrior, Trooper, Miracle, Inspiration...
all these are fitting titles for the little prince
I've been blessed to have as part of my extended family.
While I could go on and on about Sam, I want to tell you about the beads.
There are many programs that reward children for their bravery during procedures. I'm going to share a bit about Beads of Courage. This a program can be found in hospitals in the US, Canada, Japan, New Zealand & the UK.
I can't explain it any better so here's a bit from their website:
While I could go on and on about Sam, I want to tell you about the beads.
There are many programs that reward children for their bravery during procedures. I'm going to share a bit about Beads of Courage. This a program can be found in hospitals in the US, Canada, Japan, New Zealand & the UK.
I can't explain it any better so here's a bit from their website:
"What is the Beads of Courage Program?
The Program is a resilience-based intervention designed to support
and strengthen children and families coping with serious illness.
Through the program children tell their story using colorful beads as
meaningful symbols of courage that commemorate milestones they have
achieved along their unique treatment path."
Not only does it show them how far they've come, but also gives them something bright and fun to hold on to when they are hurting. Later, the strands become a visual story of their journey.
Not only does it show them how far they've come, but also gives them something bright and fun to hold on to when they are hurting. Later, the strands become a visual story of their journey.
Since resilience has been a goal of mine since a very powerful message was impressed upon me in 2010 the resilience of children has repeatedly caught my attention.
Having heard BOC mentioned before in the online beading world I am a part of I jumped at the chance to participate in a blog hop that would work at least in part with the program.
Jennifer Cameron of Glass Addictions is hosting an Art Charm Swap. We've each made 11 charms, and sent them to her. Soon we'll be receiving 10 charms, and the 11th will be auctioned off for BOC. There are somewhere between 40-50 charms to be auctioned off so stay tuned for details so you can buy a treasure, and help BOC.
"Resilience is that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever."
