The inspiring story of Harry and his journey to recovery

Harry came in for his weekly Pilates session as usual, but recently he brought in something special for us to see. Harry brought in his “beads of courage” (BOC). These beads represent the journey Harry has been on in recovering from a severe childhood illness. Harry’s beads total to an astonishing 87ft long, with each bead representing a different aspect of his road to recovery.With each procedure or milestone in his treatment Harry received a bead. Each bead is their way of saying “This isn’t easy, but I did it.”Upon enrolment into the programme, each child is given the Beads of Courage bead colour chart. Their BOC journey begins when they are given a length of string and beads that spell out their first name. Then, colourful beads, each representing a different treatment are given to the child by their professional health care provider as determined by the BOC bead guide. During the course of their treatment, they are also given “Act of Courage” beads.Some of the beads are a white colour which represent each time Harry received chemotherapy. The brown and face beads represent hair loss and the purple beads are for every time antibiotics administered. Bumpy beads are for overcoming mobility challenges and the ceramic beads represent special accomplishments. You receive a purple heart bead to show the end of your treatment.

2931 beads and 5 long years later and a huge congratulations to Harry for finishing your treatment!We were so touched that Harry brought these beads in to show us and are truly proud of how far he has come in his journey. We can’t wait to see what you achieve next Harry!Also we wanted to say how amazing we think all of Harry’s family are, the support we see from you each week is incredible. We can’t think of a nicer family! And well done to Jean, Harry’s mum, for putting all those beads on!!Well done beads of courage, your system allowed Harry to be excited about collecting this tangible reminder of all that he has achieved on his cancer journey. Very powerful.