This column is introducing the ‘ARUBA HAPPINESS BEADS’ Project, designed by Loretti Design, exclusively for Beads of Courage and their Carry a Bead® Program.
Beads of Courage is a nonprofit organization providing arts-in-medicine programs that empower children coping with serious illness to tell their stories and reflect on their medical journey through a colorful bead system.
Founded in the US, the first program was piloted at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in 2003.
Giving beads at the bedside is now a standard of practice and 60,000 children are supported daily in more than 200 hospitals and 365 member organizations in 9 countries.
Through this program 14,000,000 beads are given annually. Special Act of Courage beads are donated by glass artists from around the world and are given to acknowledge the courage displayed during treatment defining milestones.
‘I have been a supporter of Beads of Courage for several years and was motivated to contribute further. When I discovered their Carry a Bead program I was particularly moved,
such a special way to make a connection. This was my queue to make a difference.
When I set out to design for this project, I realized it could not be just ‘any’ bead… the bead needed a story. I soon came to realize the story was already around me; fortunate to live in a destination named ‘One Happy Island’ … the Aruba Happiness Bead was born.
Each hand-crafted glass bead represents the positive energy of the island, inspired by its glorious elements and warmth of its people. By wearing the pin with matching beads, of which 1 bead is returned along with a handwritten note card, we can share our love,
good energy and joy from our One Happy Island and by doing so brighten a child’s day.
Our motivation for this project is to support and create awareness for this extraordinary nonprofit organization, and to spread a feeling of happiness and well-being.’ States Deborah de Weerd | Designer and creative force behind the Loretti Design Studio.
You can now make your special moments matter more with the Aruba Happiness Beads designed for the Carry a Bead®project. How does it work?
When you wear the pin with a matching pair of beads, you share a special place you have been to, or fun experience you have had, with a child or teen who needs encouragement on a tough treatment day. No experience is too big or too small to Carry a Bead.
Your compassion, love and good intentions are infused into the beads you wear of which 1 bead you will then send to Beads of Courage, along with a handwritten note from you.
These special Act of Courage beads become part of a child’s strand of strength. The second bead you keep treasuring your connection.
If you are interested in supporting this project, whether for a solo contribution or for a group event, you can reach out to Deborah de Weerd | Loretti Design.
Sets are available for just $20 and include the return card & envelope.
www.lorettidesign.com
More information about Beads of Courage: beadsofcourage.org
About Loretti Design
The Loretti Design Studio, located in Paradera Aruba, creates contemporary, hand blown glass jewelry designs with an artistic and unconventional twist.
www.lorettidesign.com [email protected] +297 592 3502
