Beads of Courage is a supportive care program for children coping with serious illness. The participating children receive a colorful bead for each illness-related experience they have, serving as symbols of the courage each child shows throughout their arduous treatment. For critical milestones in their treatment journey they receive handmade one-of-a-kind glass beads that are donated by members of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers.
Our role as woodworkers is a simple one: to create and donate wooden boxes for these children to keep their treasured beads in. As they endure their arduous treatment process, the children gain strength and courage from these tangible symbols of the love and support of the community around them. What better purpose could we find as woodworkers?
The NTWA has sponsored an annual box building for Beads of Courage since its adoption in 2019.
The NTWA has donated more than 150 boxes to the BOC participating hospitals.
Videos
Our 2024 boxes
Beads of Courage Box Build
Here is a link to a video produced by CBS, which best tells the story about these children.
Box with a purpose
NTWA Beads of Courage Boxes