Courage Tiger's Road Trip Day 36: Beads of Courage Hematology/Oncology Programs

I made it to Missouri today! Did you know that we have four member hospitals in this state? We have programs at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Mercy Hospital in Springfield, St. Louis Children's Hospital, and the University of Missouri Women's and Children's Hospital!

All four of these hospitals have the Beads of Courage Hematology/Oncology Program. This program supports children and teens with any blood disease (that's what hematology means!), such as iron deficiency anemia, hemophilia, and sickle cell disease. This program also supports those diagnosed with cancer (and that's what oncology means!), like leukemia or lymphoma.

Leo, a Hematology/Oncology Member!

Beads of Courage has more Hematology/Oncology Programs than any other type. We support thousands of children and teens coping with blood diseases and cancer. One of these amazing fighters is Leo, a six year old diagnosed with Leukemia. His mom told me how much his Beads mean to him:

"He loves receiving his beads, and grabs his bead bag and shows off his beads to our family and friends. He knows the meaning behind each one. The beads have helped a lot during maintenance as our visits for chemo have more time in between visits now and being 'poked' is a little easier when he has his beads to show for it."

We are honored to help children and teens like Leo record, tell, and own their stories of courage. Help fund the mission of Beads of Courage by supporting Bead Challenge today! That's it from me from Missouri, check back tomorrow for another story from me!

Courage Tiger’s 2017 Road Trip is a feature of the 9th Annual Bead Challenge, a three-month nationwide fundraiser and beadraiser for Beads of Courage. As the official Beads of Courage mascot, Courage Tiger is visiting all 50 states to highlight the incredible work our organization does by sharing stories of our courageous members, families, clinicians, and the caring community of artists and supporters who make our vital work possible. Please get involved in Bead Challenge 2017 by visiting www.beadchallenge.org today. Sign up to PARTICIPATE as a fundraiser, CREATE glass beads, or DONATE to the cause. With your help, we can Make Courage Roar for kids coping with serious illness! Many thanks to Bead Challenge 2017 presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual and supporting sponsor Soda Lime Times.

- Contributed by Cristal Rogers, Marketing and Communications Intern, Beads of Courage