Beads of Courage is an arts-in-medicine encouragement program for children battling chronic illnesses. Children receive hand made glass beads color coded for each milestone in their treatment journey. Carry-A-Bead gives children and athletes a special bond. During each home game, University of Alabama football players wear two matching beads. One bead is theirs to keep, while the mate is given to a child at Children's of Alabama undergoing treatment. The child is also given a story card explaining when and where the bead was worn, and an experience the athlete had while wearing it. Lastly, the child receives a note of encouragement. This note serves to show the child that they are not in their fight alone.