Shine On! Kids will help bring the Beads of Courage (r) program to one hospital in Japan. Children fighting cancer and other serious illnesses are given beads for milestones reached during their treatment journey. The program allows children to RECORD, TELL and OWN their stories of courage.
Childhood cancer is the number one cause of death for children in Japan after accidents. A child is diagnosed with cancer in Japan about once every 3-4 hours each day. While the prognosis for many childhood cancers has improved significantly, the treatment process is still long and grueling. Children undergoing treatment for cancer in Japan are generally hospitalized for quite a long time - 6 months to one year or more, putting an incredible burden on the patients and the family.
While the level of medical treatment in Japan is one of the best in the world, the area of patient support is still relatively undeveloped. The organization hopes to redefine the concept of patient support in Japan to create a complete patient support system: from the moment of diagnosis, throughout treatment and even after discharge from hospital. The Beads of Courage (r) program empowers patients and families. It helps them to regain their sense of self and stay connected to communities.
Opening Beads of Courage (r) in one hospital will not only enrich the children and families it supports, but also the surrounding community. As the children and families reach back out to their communities from long-term hospital stay, they will be empowered with their story and experiences, thus reducing the transition back into normal life.
