Beads of Courage

 It awes me how different charities support one another, and that is exactly how it should be. 

LeAnn Pidcock, mother of the young man behind LEGOS for Leukemia, forwarded this story to me through...yes...Facebook.  I told you there were wonderful and amazing things to be discovered on Facebook.  Just stick with me and I'll prove it to you day after day. 

Here is another children's charity, with just a minimal amount of effort and money, where you can make a big difference in child's life.  

..."the most moving stores are from families who have lost 

their fight." 

..."Jean Baruch graduated from a top nursing school in Arizona.  She stated that she had all the tools to meet the physical needs of children stricken with cancer, but what she struggled with the most was meeting their emotional needs."  Low and behold ‘Beads of Courage’ was born. 

..."The meaning of beads and their power goes beyond the ornamental.  It’s an ancient art come to life in a new way."    

..."On an annual basis, over 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer.  Beads of Courage is able to support over 15,000 children with this {heartwarming} program."

..."These beads seem like such a little thing, but they absolutely are not.  They are more like beads of life."  

From the Beads of Courage website:  

Interesting Facts About Beads

Throughout history, in cultures across the world, beads have had a huge number of functions. Here are a few interesting facts.
Beads signify strength and courage
Just like medals, ribbons and certificates, many ancient and modern-day cultures use beads to show bravery and accomplishment. They have long been used to protect warriors from natural and supernatural enemies, along with lending special magical protection for heroes during long journeys.
Beads have every-day uses 
They have served many practical purposes throughout history, from weighing down scrolls, saddle blankets and table cloths to serving as calculators (like the abacus) to prayer tools (like the rosary). Today, we see beads in mats, car seats, and curtains. Can you think of any ways that people use beads today?
Beads carry value 
Beads have been traded for everything from gold to beaver pelts, ivory to spices, and even slaves. Societies across the world have made beads from tortoise shells, wood, pottery, sea shells, seed, ivory, stone, egg shells, animal teeth, bone, claw and horn…and glass. Some of the world's most talented glass artists devote their whole careers to making beads.
In many societies, beads are believed to carry protective and healing powers 
Did you know that the Egyptian word sha means "luck" and sha-sha means "bead"? The Magical Eye bead of Turkey is believed to ward off evil. In parts of Asia, beads were scattered like seeds at temples to induce bountiful harvests.
Beads signify status
In China, during the Qing (pronounced "ching") Dynasty, officials, army officers, their wives and children were required to wear strings of court beads. The Emperor himself had to wear special beads. For the Asante people of West Africa, kings and other great people get the privilege of wearing Bodom beads. In our own society beads of pearl, gold and precious stones can be symbols of wealth and prestige.
Given the length of time people have been fascinated with beads (over 43,000 years!), as well as their usefulness for counting, adorning and symbolizing importance, they're just right for recognizing and recording your courage as you travel this journey.