Beads of Courage tell stories of young cancer patients

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - For some children, the string of beads is small enough to be a bracelet; for others it's the length of a hospital corridor.

Whatever the size, each string is a symbolic reminder of the daily ups and downs, events and treatments of a child's hospitalization and the courage they have called on to ease the pain.

Thanks to the generous support of the Baldwinsville-based Maureen's Hope Foundation, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital has introduced this innovative national program called Beads of Courage to its young patients undergoing cancer treatments. As part of the program, children receive colorful glass beads to mark various events in their hospitalizations, or to illustrate a child's mood or outlook.

"The strings are like a diary of a child's hospitalization; each bead symbolizes a significant event in their stay with us, but most importantly the beads demonstrate the courage these young patients call on each day," said Margaret Nellis, child life manager at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital.

Susan Bertrand, founder of Maureen's Hope Foundation, named for her sister who died after a two-year battle with cancer, said she decided to support the program because of its capacity to make a difference immediately. "Cancer is a journey, and helping to make that journey a little brighter for someone each day, can make a world of difference," she said. "This program is uplifting for everyone-patients, parents and caregivers."

Maureen's Hope Foundation will be an annual sponsor of the program.