February 9, 2005 — When a child in the Miami Children’s Hospital Cancer Center undergoes chemotherapy, radiation treatment, surgery or another treatment milestone, he/she is presented with a shiny Bravery Hearts Bead to commemorate the achievement. The beads, which vary in color and style depending on the specific treatment, are added to the child’s Bravery Hearts bracelet or necklace, helping to raise morale and commemorate the child’s unique treatment journey.

Miami Children’s is the first children’s hospital in the Southeast and second in the U.S. to host the Bravery Hearts Program, which was founded two years ago in Toronto. Bravery Hearts sells trendy fashion items to raise funds for participating children’s hospitals across North America.

When a child begins his/her difficult journey with cancer, the child is given a necklace with his/her name on it. The necklaces document and honour the experience of cancer treatment, enabling the children to tell their unique story in a tangible and visual way and become precious keepsakes that are viewed as medals or badges of courage. 

What is the Bravery Heart Necklace?
To raise funds for the patients’ Bravery Heart Beads, Bravery Heart Necklaces are sold. The Bravery Heart Necklaces are handmade of Czech glass beads with a beautiful glass heart emblem. Women wear this trendy fashion item to show their support for children receiving cancer treatment at Miami Children’s Hospital. Proceeds from sales are donated to Miami Children’s Hospital. Celebrities who wear their Bravery Heart Necklaces with pride include: Madonna and her daughter Lourdes, Paris Hilton and Pamela Anderson. Bravery Heart Necklaces are available at the MCH gift shop, retail stores and online at www.braveryhearts.com.

To interview an MCH patient and Bravery Heart participant, please call Cynthia Gutierrez-White at (305) 668-5514.