DIVA Challenge #171 Beads of Courage

This week's over at the DIVA's challenge is all about Beads of Courage.  In Laura's words:
Beads of Courage is an Arts in Medicine program that supports children and their families who are dealing with Life threatening or Chronic illnesses.

A child on the program would collect beautiful glass beads in recognition of the things whey have to go through in their daily lives, on their Medical Journey.  When a child goes to yet another doctor's appointment, they'd get a glass bead, when they need to have a needle, they get a glass bead.  Each bead on their strings represent something they've done or gone through.
Laura did a fun run to raise money for this wonderful organization.  With this challenge we are to be inspired by courage,  and if we know someone who is being strong and courageous right now to be inspired by them.  The first person who came to my mind and heart, is my great nephew, Carter.  Carter is 5 years old now, but was born with cerebral palsy (CP), which in simple terms means he had a stroke at birth that affected the left side of his body.  Because of this he has had some developmental delays and has been through a lot of different medial procedures and therapies.  He currently sees a speech, occupational, and physical therapist weekly, and he continues to grow by leaps and bounds with their help.  He is a smart little guy with a wonderful smile!  His parents started calling him Carter Man and after he discovered the super hero's, when someone asks what his name is he says, Carter Man! 

I am continually amazed by the courage of kids like Carter Man, and Laura's Artoo, but also by the parents of kids with special needs!  It takes a special kind of courage to go through everything that they do for and with their kids.  Way to go, Stephanie & Adam, and Laura & bRad, and the millions of others out there like you! 

 

CARTER MAN with Mom & Dad

CARTER MAN with Aunt Sue