What is the Bead Program?
The Riley Hospital for Children Hematology/Oncology at Indiana University Health bead program is designed for children who are currently receiving treatment. It is designed to document and honor the journey that children take when they are diagnosed. This gives the children a chance to tell their story using beads as symbols of different steps of treatment.
How Does it work?
- Each child diagnosed and receiving treatment will have the opportunity to participate in the program.
- Participation is completely optional.
- Each child who decides to participate will be given a string with their initials and a special diagnosis bead.
- Colorful beads representing different aspects of treatment will be available in the Riley Hospital for Children Hematology/ Oncology at IU Health MSA, inpatient unit, and stem cell transplant unit.
- Each time the child comes for treatment your nurse will give you the appropriate beads to add to your collection. It is your responsibility to keep track of your journey on the inventory list we will provide for you.
Special Note
Due to the potential choking hazards of small beads in young children, we ask that parents sign a consent form. For children under the age of five, parents need to be responsible for the beads.
For More Information
For questions or comments about the bead program or to make a donation please contact:
Karen Kight, RN, BSN
Clinical Manager of Operations
Phone: 317.948.0801
Email: kkight@iuhealth.org
or
Stacey Koleszar, MSW, LSW
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Social Worker
Phone: 317.944.0111
Email: scunning@iuhealth.org