Honouring bravery one bead at a time
A challenging start
What was initially thought to be a urinary tract infection turned out to be something much worse for four-year-old Nevaeh.
At just a few weeks old, a routine kidney ultrasound revealed a mass on her right adrenal gland. Scans and neuro and blood tests diagnosed Nevaeh with a type of cancer known as neuroblastoma, and her journey at Queensland Children’s Hospital began.
The beginning of Nevaeh’s life revolved around hospital appointments and treatment – she was scheduled for surgery to remove the mass the day after her first birthday. But the Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Bravery Bead programs helped the hard days become a little lighter for her and her family.
Symbols of strength
Our Bravery Beads program acknowledges the strength and courage kids in hospital show during each procedure or treatment. Each bead empowers sick and injured kids, recognising their latest procedure, surgery or milestone in their healthcare journey.
Nevaeh began collecting her own Bravery Beads from her very first appointment at Queensland Children’s Hospital. Her mum, Bec, said the program has helped create moments in hospital that focused on joy rather than fear.
“She knows that when she’s brave, when she does her scans, we get her bead and take it home to add to her necklace.”
– Bec, Nevaeh’s mum
In FY2024-25, almost 6,000 beads were earned and gifted to children just like Nevaeh in recognition of their hope and strength through our Bravery Beads program – each bead telling a different story for our brave young patients.
Milestones in every moment
This year marks three years cancer-free for Nevaeh following the success of her initial surgery. Most recently, her routine monthly tests were changed to every six months. Where her days used to be focused on appointments, tests and treatments, now Nevaeh spends most of her time outdoors, at swimming lessons, riding her bike or building towers of Magna tiles.
As Nevaeh continues to grow, learn and come out of her shell, her Bravery Beads act as a reminder of her resilience and how far she has come at just four years old.
“You can look back and see what each bead represents – each test, scan, surgery, Christmases and bad days we’ve had. And it’s nice to think, ‘Wow, we’ve overcome so much.’”
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The difference that shapes their world
Through supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation, you can improve childhoods and ensure all children and young people have access to treatment - sooner.
