JTV Does Fund Drive For Beads Of Courage Program

Jewelry Television is partnering with Beads of Courage Inc., a non-profit organization that has a program we’ve never heard of but sounds very intriguing.

Children coping with serious illnesses receive special beads from their nurses and caregivers, with each bead representing a step in that child’s treatment. The idea is to honor their courage as they hit milestones.

During September, JTV is inviting its national audience to help seriously ill children be able to tell their story of courage.

“We are inviting our customers to support the mission of Beads of Courage by calling in or going online to donate, regardless of a purchase,” Jill Johnson, JTV’s vice president of marketing, said in a canned statement.

“To the children and families coping with serious illness, these beads represent the hope and courage needed throughout each stage of their treatment process. Every donation we receive will help provide the Beads of Courage Program at no charge for more than 30,000 participating children.”

A year ago, with donations from its audience, JTV raised $59,000 to benefit Beads of Courage. Through its efforts, the network was able to help establish three Beads of Courage programs at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

Since 2005 Beads of Courage has been working to transform the treatment experience for children coping with chronic, life-threatening illness through Arts-in-Medicine programs. There are Beads of Courage programs in more than 250 hospitals worldwide.

According to research, the program offers a coping strategy that helps children move through their treatment and helps them communicate with others. On average, most children have more than 500 beads in their collection. The Program helps clinicians at the bedside feel better equipped to support the emotional needs of children.

JTV is inviting artists and the public to contribute to Beads of Courage through National Bead Challenge Day on Sept. 19. National Bead Challenge Day will honor the brave children suffering from serious illnesses by helping to fulfill their Dream Bead wishes.

The mission of Beads of Courage is to provide innovative arts-in-medicine programs for children coping with serious illness, their families, and the healthcare providers who care for them. Beads of Courage programs are evidence-based interventions designed to strengthen resilience, alleviate suffering, and improve the psychological adjustment process.

Tags: Beads of Courage, Jewelry Television, Jill Johnson, JTV, The Homeshoppingista