Posted on November 7, 2005 at 12:45 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Kids like to collect stuff. And since sick kids are no different, UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) is joining the Bravery Hearts “Beads of Courage” program. Begun in Toronto last year, Bravery Hearts is a program that helps children dealing with devastating diseases or awaiting organ transplantation cope with their illnesses.

Beginning November 14, children at UAB Hospital will receive a cord with beads that spell out their name. Each time they undergo a procedure or treatment, such as chemotherapy or surgery, they will receive a wooden or plastic bead to add to their cord. Each new bead is unique for a particular medical procedure and will provide an ever-growing record of their treatment and medical history. Organizers say children at institutions in which the program is already in place tend to wear the beads as a necklace or bracelet, or attach them to their medical equipment or favorite toys.

“The beads make it easier for children to understand their medical conditions and communicate their concerns about their treatment,” said Jane Love, child life coordinator for UAB Cardiovascular Services. “They help children open up to medical staff, family and even other children. They become precious keepsakes, helping a child tell his or her personal story in a tangible, visual way.”

The UAB Hospital Auxiliary, which will administer the program, will kick off the program with a celebration at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, November 14 in the atrium of the hospital’s West Pavilion. Children currently admitted to UAB will receive their first beads at the celebration.

The program also will raise funds through the sale of a specially created necklace made of glass beads with a Czech glass heart emblem. These necklaces, separate from the ones the children receive, will be available for purchase in the hospital gift shop, and the proceeds will be used by the Hospital Auxiliary to fund children’s programs.