A string of beads signifies strength and courage for youngsters diagnosed with cancer at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital.
“Each [medical] procedure, a child can earn a bead and add it to their necklace,” said Dr. Stanley Calderwood, chief of the pediatric hematology-oncology division.
The hospital launched its Beads of Courage program in April with a ceremony honoring pediatric cancer patients and their families.
The beads are given to children with cancer as they pass treatment milestones — a white bead for a chemotherapy session; a glow-in-the-dark bead for a day of radiation; a tortoise shell bead for a lumbar puncture; and a purple bead for completion of therapy, to name a few.
“This is an arts-in-medicine concept,” said Calderwood, who added that research has shown satisfaction, reduction in stress, and even some joy from the program.
Beads of Courage Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded 11 years ago to help children with serious illness record, tell and own their stories of survival.
Just like medals, ribbons and certifications, many ancient and modern-day cultures use beads to show bravery and accomplishment, according to the organization’s website.
Calderwood said with the beads, the patients are actually recording their journeys and can see what they went through to tackle the diagnosis.
“I see interaction among patients, where one child sees a certain bead another child does not have,” he said. “Conversations begin, and they give each other a sense of hope, seeing what each other have been through.”
Calderwood said the program is not mandatory for the patients, who range from newborns to 21-year-olds.
The program is overseen by Calderwood with Kristal Neal, child life program director at the hospital, and clinical social worker Irina Mariano-Brown.
He said 95 percent of their patients participate in the program, and they have received positive feedback from their patients as well as their families, all of whom receive a bead necklace.
Calderwood said they had wanted to implement the program for a long time; however, funding became an issue.
When the men’s lacrosse team at Rutgers University reached out to the hospital to report that it had raised $6,000 and asked if the hospital could use the funds, hospital officials jumped at the chance to start the program, he said.
Each of the lacrosse team members received a companion bead, which they wear on their uniforms during games.
Douglas Adamo of Kendall Park attended the launch of the Beads of Courage program with his 5-year-old grandson Jimmy at the hospital in April. Jimmy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 3.
Adamo said he knew something was amiss when Jimmy, an all-around active child, asked to take a nap after helping to plant trees with his older sister, Hailey, 8.
“He never asked to take a nap,” Adamo said. “Also, Jimmy’s color was off — like a yellowish color — and I thought it might be jaundice, so we brought him to the pediatrician.”
After a blood sample and a visit to Saint Peter’s University Hospital, they learned Jimmy’s diagnosis. Jimmy has since become very active again, Adamo said.
“Jimmy’s a cute little kid. He is very intelligent and has a good sense of humor,” he said.
Adamo said Beads of Courage is a great program for his grandson as well as the whole family.
“We get a necklace, as well,” he said. “Jimmy understands the meaning of the necklace and keeps it in his room near his bed or wears it once in a while.”
Adamo said Jimmy has collected more than 100 beads through his treatments.
Preeti Samarth of Old Bridge attended the program launch with her 3-year-old daughter Aashi, who was diagnosed with leukemia on Oct. 29.
“Ms. Irina from the hospital told us about the Beads of Courage program, and we were curious to know about it,” she said. Samarth said on launch day Aashi was tired and weak after her second dose of chemotherapy in four days; however, she was thrilled to receive the beads.
“For some time, at least she forgot all about her sickness,” she said.
Aashi is too young to understand the meaning of the beads, but is always excited to collect them each time she visits the clinic, Samarth said.
“When she will be big enough to know the significance of every color and pattern on them, I am sure she will be amazed and pat herself [on the back] for facing everything so boldly,” she said. “These beads will remind her of the courage she showed at the tender age of 2 and give her the strength in all tough times throughout her life.”
Samarth said whenever they see the beads, they feel proud.
“We tell ourselves that if we can survive this, we can survive any disaster and just be strong and hang in there,” she said.