Piper was enrolled in a program a few months ago called Beads of Courage. This is a nationwide program offered to kids that are being treated for cancer or blood conditions. When the child is enrolled they receive a string and beads to spell out their first name. The child gets a bead for each of the specific challenges that they face. Their strings of beads tells the story of their journey and the many trials they have faced along the way. There are different colored or special beads for each specific treatment. For example, every time Piper receives a chemo treatment, she gets a white bead. Below is a list of the beads that Piper has earned since her diagnosis on March 2nd. The list includes the color or type of bead, the treatment received, and the number of beads that Piper has earned. This is a really awesome program, and it means a lot to the kids. I look forward to sharing this with Piper when she is old enough to understand. I want her to know how brave she was, and all that she has overcome. To read more on the Beads of Courage program, visit www.beadsofcourage.com.
BEAD GUIDE
White - Chemotherapy / Immunizations = 13
Blue - Clinic Visit / Infusion = 15
Silver - Dressing Changes = 37
Magenta - ER / Unusual Occurrence = 4
Brown & Face Bead - Hair Loss = 1
Purple - Infusions (antibiotics) = 13
Yellow - Inpatient Admission = 4
Lime - Isolation / Fever / Neutropenia = 6
Orange - Line Placement (port, central line) = 3
Bumpy - Medication Challenges / Mobility Challenges = 10
Black - Pokes by Needle = 28
Dark Green - Dialysis, TPN = 19
Star - Surgery = 3
Light Green - Tests / Scans = 27
Red - Transfusions = 8
Aqua - Tube Placement (NG / Chest Tube / Foley) = 7
Square Heart - Transfer to PICU = 2
Rainbow - Care Team Visit (PT / OT / RT / Others) = 8
Glass Selection - Special Acts of Courage = 6
