Saturday, January 9, 2010

Butterfly Bead challenge!

I just read this note from Robert Simmons, director of Beads of Courage Bead Donations:



I want to wish everyone in the glass community a Happy New Year from all of us at Beads of Courage. I got the latest figures from our CEO and Founder, Jean Baruch, and thought I would let you know where we stand today.

We are in 60 children’s hospitals throughout the United States, New Zealand and Japan. We support over 10,000 children coping with a serious illness. This estimate includes all children we serve who are coping with treatment for cancer, a life threatening cardiac or blood condition, or children coping with traumatic burn injuries. We now provide the Beads of Courage Program for children with cancer, blood conditions, cardiac conditions and burn injuries. All beads donated by artists are given to children for treatment milestones.

Unfortunately, many children we support die each year. The butterfly beads continue to be in high demand from all our member hospitals. There is nothing that can come close to the beauty of a handmade butterfly bead that brings much needed comfort to parents who are coping with the loss of their child.

In 2010 we already have 10 new hospitals ready to start the Beads of Courage Program.

We do depend on financial contributions too to help pay for the manufactured program beads we must purchase to keep up with demand (and for program integrity/consistency). We appreciate all donations.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us in 2009 and all of the years since we began this journey. Each bead is a treasure and we appreciate every one that comes to us. We depend upon bead donations which truly bring the ART to our “arts-in-medicine” mission. Thank you for your glass, your talent and that most precious gift, your time. I look forward to working with you in 2010.

Robert Simmons
Director for Bead Donations
Beads of Courage, Inc.


...so, you know what that means...time to get this ball rolling!
if you have any ideas or thoughts on donating or making Butterfly beads for Beads of Courage, please comment and let me know!
I am thinking of a contest for most butterfly beads created.....something big!
I need your help!
Thanks so much Glass Family!!

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