October 2019 Beads of Courage Day

Dr. Robert Simmons, former Beads of Courage Bead Donation Director and GMS member, started the event by explaining the Beads of Courage organization. Colorful beads are given to children undergoing medical treatments and each color represents a medical procedure, for example a needle stick, chemo treatment, a clinic visit, etc. A major milestone or surgery or other major event means the child receives an act of courage bead, like the beads we make. They get to choose their act of courage bead and they choose carefully because each bead is important. Robert told us how children have long strands of beads strung up and over their IV poles and can tell you what every bead on their string means.

Gem Section, Junior Section, and other GMS members worked diligently to make beads that would be just right for act of courage beads. Food was a popular theme this year as well as Pokemon. Robert told us that GMS volunteers made a record number of polymer clay beads this time – over 200!

Many thanks to Robert for baking and finishing the beads for us and for coming to help make this event a big success! And thank you to all of the juniors and adults who worked so hard on these special beads!

Lori Carter

Lots of bead makers!

Lots of beads!

Trilobite sushi

Yummy orange

Cute face!