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Emma, Chidlren's of Alabama patient with Beads of Courage — Beads of Courage makes life a little brighter for children in the hospital. *(Meagan Allshouse)*

If you see the colorful beads parading the necks of young boys and girls at Children’s of Alabama, know that it’s a testament to their strength during a hard time.

The Beads of Courage®Program provides an innovative Arts-in-Medicine program for children coping with serious illness, their families and the clinicians who care for them. Through this program, children receive beads that symbolize each step of their treatment journey.

In addition to fostering hope and creativity, the beads are just one way a special team known as Child Life Specialists make a difference in these young patients’ lives.

Child Life Specialists give much-needed support to families in the hospital

Child Life Specialists and Wanda — Top L-R: Libby Christopher, CCLS, Leigh Dees, CCLS, Haylee Hilson, CCLS, Katie Green, CCLS, Courtney Zimmer, NICU staff nurse, Kassidy Kleinow, CCLS
Bottom L-R: Lindsey Smith, CCLS, Lindsay Cartmell, CCLS, Honey Cook, CCLS, Wanda, M.D., Noelle Connor, CCLS, Mary Haddow, CCLS *(Children’s of Alabama)*

Spending time in the hospital is hard for children and their families. But did you know there’s an entire profession dedicated to making hospital stays easier for families at Children’s of Alabama?

“As Child Life Specialists, we help children and families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of illness, injury or medical treatment. We work with patients in navigating the fear and trauma associated with hospitalization and medical procedures.
Honey Cook, Child Life and Education Supervisor, Children’s of Alabama

As the Child Life and Education Supervisor, Honey works with an incredible team who help children and families through some of their most challenging times.

In a specialist role, Honey and her team use play, education and other developmentally appropriate techniques to:

Help reduce anxiety
Improve coping skills
Promote emotional + psychological well-being

“Play is one of the most important tools we use to help children to process their emotions. Even in difficult situations, you can bring joy and normalcy to children’s lives through events and therapeutic activities.”
Honey Cook, Child Life and Education Supervisor, Children’s of Alabama

Learn more about Child Life and Education at Children’s of Alabama.

March is National Child Life Month

Children's of Alabama patient with Beads of Courage — Sporting beads that tell a story *(Children’s of Alabama)*

Child Life Month, observed every March, is a time to raise awareness of the vital role of Child Life Specialists.

Throughout the month, Children’s of Alabama celebrates patients and families’ journeys by:

Throwing a Glow Party
Teddy Bear clinics (hosted by Spire) for medical play
Child Life information tables throughout the hospital

Children’s of Alabama patients celebrate their journey through Beads of Courage

Elliot, Children's of Alabama patient with Beads of Courage

Each bead represents a step in a child’s journey. (Children’s of Alabama, Kelly Ham)

Part of this celebration of a patient’s journey is exemplified through Beads of Courage.

The beads keep a record of medical procedures and doctors’ visits and represent their courage during a scary time.

According to the Beads of Courage website, this program restores confidence and self-worth, helping children be proud of what they accomplish while receiving treatment for a serious illness.

With the support of NUCOR Steel, Children’s of Alabama has expanded the Beads of Courage® Program to many areas of the hospital.

Fun fact: A “Medical Dog Bead” was recently added to represent a visit from Wanda, M.D.—Children’s of Alabama’s medical dog.

“Beads of Courage can be used for a patient and family to recognize different challenges and milestones they experience throughout their treatment. It also allows me as a Child Life Specialist to assess what events in their journey have been the most difficult, which can lead to developing a coping plan around those events.

When a patient finishes treatment, they are quick to show me the completion of their beads and proudly say, ‘Look at what all I did!'”
Mary Haddow, Oncology Child Life Specialist, Children’s of Alabama

This creative program, alongside the strength that Child Life Specialists instill in kids’ lives, provide the nurturing community at Children’s of Alabama.

See how Children’s of Alabama Child Life Specialists gives patients + families hope.

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