Waterloo woodworkers commemorate sick kids medical milestones one bead at a time [Video]

Waterloo woodworkers are using their skills to create one-of-a-kind bowls to help sick kids display their triumphs.

‘‘It’s a keepsake for all the trouble they’ve been going through with whatever disease they’re dealing with,” said David Bell, president of the Waterloo Wellington Woodturners Guild.

A program at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto allows patients to receive a special “bravery bead” to commemorate each of their visits and procedures.

When the Waterloo Wellington Woodturners Guild found out about the beads, and the need for a way to display the bead badges of honour, they got to work to create one-of-a-kind bowls where kids can store their beads.

“The bowls are fabulous. The work they do is unbelievable,” said Judy Hurrell, coordinator of the Bravery Bead Program.

For 16-year-old Hope Cleveland and her over 1,100 beads, the bowls are another part of her journey.

“It’s the visual representation of my …