Two years ago, we asked our creative team, how could we further honor the creativity and courage of the children, families and clinicians who participate in the Beads of Courage Program. We posed the question, What if we challenged the children we support to design a bead?

From that creative brainstorming the first annual Bead Design Challenge was created.We selected 10 themes and 10 hospitals to participate in the challenge, and visited each one in September 2011 while touring with our Beads in Space original art exhibit.

This page is dedicated to our first book and the beads that were inspired by some very courageous Beads of Courage members, siblings and clinicians. Thank you to maxIT Healthcare for sponsoring the Beads in Space Tour and to Moore for Kids for your sponsorship of Bead Design Challenge. The square in the bottom right of the photo shows the original artwork that inspired each bead (pretty amazing, we think!)

Book and LIMITED EDITION handmade artisan bead proceeds go to support the mission of Beads of Courage. Thank you in advance for your support!

Photography courtesy of Sherri Graves Photography