Beading the Odds

"Children" and "cancer" are two words that should never occur in the same sentence. Yet each school day, 46 children, or two entire classrooms of kids, are diagnosed with cancer. The word cancer comes in shades of gray; a burst of color is necessary to contrast the darkness of this word. That's where "Beading the Odds" comes in. The purpose is to travel to different hospitals and visit the children's cancer wards to make beaded bracelets; each color bead stands for a different aspect of strength and unity. Along with their bag of beads, each child receives a poem explaining the significance of each bead. Our beads add this color to the lives of children with cancer while reminding them of all the color and joy that remain in the world. Seeing others wearing their vibrant beads also reminds children that they are not alone on their journey battling cancer. Together, we can spread color. Together, we can BEAD the odds. The children recieve the following poem that accompanies their beads: "BEADS OF COLOR" BLUE reminds me of the clear, endless sky. I know that there is no limit. GREEN represents the tall, sturdy trees. I will stand strong like them. RED is the love I have for myself. It will carry me through difficult days. PURPLE is the love that I receive from others. I will never be alone. GOLD reminds me of the cheerful sun. Nothing can stop me from shining. CLEAR is all that I hold in my heart. I will share my song with the world. My colors remind me that I am strong, and that I am never alone on this journey. My friends wearing Beads have my support, and I will always be loved by them. We are strong, wonderful and colorful, and together we can BEAD the odds!