The Silicone Bead Project
Beads of Courage
Beads of Courage (BoC) is a wonderful organization for terminally/chronically ill babies, children, and teens. Their program is in high demand, which means that the waitlist can be over a year long. Also, I believe you have to be under 18 to participate. Some adults might want to participate. Whether they are a newly diagnosed young adult or are caring for a relative with dementia, an adult may have a reason for these.
The Silicone Bead Project
If you weren't eligible or the wait list was too long (or another reason), I offer a similar program. The Silicone Bead Project is for those who can not do BoC. If you weren't eligible or are not planning to be put on the waitlist, you can participate for as long as you'd like. If you are on the waitlist, I unfortunately will have to deny your current application (the reason why will be explained below). I encourage you to still fill the form out so that I can save it in case I get an opening!
Funding
Unfortunately, offering everyone a spot is not sustainable. I don't have a job so I am not consistently earning money.
This brings me to an important point: the more donations I receive (through Buy Me a Coffee), the more people I can accept!
Even if you aren't applying, consider donating just five dollars!
(you don't have to in order to participate, please don't feel like I am forcing you)
Waitlist
If you are on the BoC waitlist, I would love to still message with you. I can still send you the customized tracker. If you find beads that you can afford and will purchase, I can make the personalized tracking system. If I get a lot of donations, I may even be able to eventually accept you for free.
Who Is Eligible
- any age
- chronic illnesses
- terminal illnesses
- severe mental illnesses that result in repeatedly being hospitalized or procedures such as feeding tubes
- if you fit into the above but were ineligible
- if you were unable to do BoC for any reason
- there may be other things, just send me a message below!
Requirements for the Program
- must have something that results in lots of medical procedures/trips
- must not be on the BoC waitlist
- must have a reason BoC doesn't work for you
The Process
1. Basic Information Request
This is the contact form below. It allows me to get a glimpse at your needs.
2. Response
I will respond as soon as I can! I will let you know what I am thinking.
3. Application
This is a long application. You will fill out an area for each illness/disability. You will also tell me about yourself.
4. The Wait
I know waiting to hear back on applications is agonizing. I will have potential trackers and bead types for you to look at. I will also gather all my thoughts and information for you. The response time should be about two weeks. Please remember that I am in high school and have other things to do. I am not being paid for this. I can't dedicate four hours a day to it. If you don't hear back from me, just email me.
5. Starting
You will get your tracker along with the instructions. I will either send you a virtual copy that you can print, a Google Sheets copy, or I can send a physical one. The physical one will be folded, so if that bothers you, I recommend choosing the virtual option.
Start writing the dates of procedures. Every time something happens, write the date in that column. (for example, if you had to get pricked four times in order for them to draw blood, you would go under the "blood draw" category and write "date. date. date. date")
6. Finishing a Sheet
If you have run out of room on two or more rows, please email me for another copy. If you have a physical one, either email a picture or mail it back!
7. Receiving the Beads
When I receive your filled in tracking sheet, I can send the beads. I will confirm your mail address. Then, I will order beads from a supplier. You will get to choose an extra (long string, colorful string, clasps etc.) Finally, they will be mailed to you. If you can, it would be helpful if you could pay shipping (which shouldn't be more than 2 - 5 dollars), but it's not necessary. Please don't feel obligated.
8. Repeat
Continue filling in the tracker. Once again, unless I get donations, it may take a while to get all of your beads. I will keep all of your records so that you are able to get the every bead you need.
9. The End
You can quit at any time. I will fill the current tracker and then remove you from the list.
Important: if you are eligible for this program, it is free! As stated above, those who are ineligible can still participate if they purchase the beads.