Treasure Bead program coming to Stollery Children’s Hospital

May 29, 2008 – Beaumont, AB Children in the cardiac care unit of the Stollery Children’s Hospital will have a new way to log their health care journey thanks to a new initiative between the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation (Treasure Life).

The Treasure Bead program, which will be administered by Child Life, was initiated by Treasure Life and designed specifically for children being treated for cardiac disease.

“There are many bead programs in hospitals for kids throughout Canada,” said Rick Jenkins, Director, Treasure Life. “It was important that we bring a program to Edmonton that was specific to kids with heart disease. We have been working closely with the Stollery Children’s Hospital and Child Life to work out the logistics of the program and it is very exciting to bring Treasure Beads to the cardiac kids in the Stollery.”

Over the next couple of months, the Stollery Children’s Hospital, Child Life, and Treasure Life will be working out the final details on implementation of the Treasure Bead program, which is funded through donations raised through Treasure Life. Representatives from the Stollery have expressed their excitement about the program and what it will mean for the kids in their care.

Children in the cardiac care unit of the Stollery, dubbed “Cardiac Kids” by Treasure Life, will receive an anchor bead on a string. The children can then collect beads for every test, procedure or surgery they undergo.

“Cardiac Kids, regardless of their condition, undergo many, many different tests and procedures throughout their lives,” said Jenkins. “We selected beads to represent what cardiac kids go through, including lab tests, x-rays, echocardiograms, as well as different procedures and surgeries, and more. We even have special beads for kids who are in the hospital during birthdays and holidays. The chain of beads will become a badge of honour for the ’s bravery and strength throughout his or her cardiac journey.”

Treasure Life shared the exciting news about approval of the Treasure Bead program at the first annual Treasure Life Golf Classic tournament at the Coloniale Golf Course in Beaumont. Proceeds from the tournament will go towards funding programs including the Treasure Bead program.

“Treasure Life is only in its second year as a charity and this is a very important first step for us,” said Jenkins. “The support we have received so far has been phenomenal and we are very excited and encouraged about what the future holds for us and the cardiac kids in the Stollery.”