LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Beads of Courage program for seriously ill children being treated at Summerlin Hospital held its first event at City National Arena Monday night.
Colin is one of several children from Summerlin Hospital who participated in the Beads of Courage program.
"When you first start it’s really hard, but as you go on you keep getting better and better,” said Colin.
While he was talking about skating, he could have just as easily been talking about dealing with a major illness.
"People were so excited! They thought it was fun,” said Gretchen Papez. “They thought it was nice to see people outside of the hospital. They were excited for the chance to come and skate and come and see Chance and do some fun arts and crafts. And see some of their favorite nurses and care givers."
The program is designed to provide support and reinforce the strength of families and children who are dealing with serious illnesses. The beads are symbols that honor and acknowledge important steps in their treatment journey.
"I just like playing with my friends and having to do all the stuff,” said Colin.
Besides the skate party at City National Arena where the kids chose their beads, they also had a chance to do other arts and crafts like decorating flower pots, which will be a part of a fall fundraiser.