Not all superheroes wear capes – Some wear ears.
Jess Beard’s Ears Over Fears children’s program is a fun craft activity where kids get to design their own ears. They can pick from a selection of colored headbands and ears and then assemble and decorate them using stickers, markers, gems, feathers, and other colorful items.
While Respite Retreats programs are typically designed to take the participant’s mind off everyday life with cancer, this program gives parents & healthcare practitioners an opportunity to get children to open up about their fears and address them head-on.
We understand that the siblings and children of those with cancer have fears as well, so Respite Retreats offers Ears Over Fears kits to them too.
Ears are worn as a reminder that they are stronger than their fears!
This program is held in hospitals, during events, and mailed to pediatric cancer patients, their siblings, and children of those with cancer. To have a kit sent to a child you know please complete the intake form below.
JESS BEARD - EARS OVER FEARS FOUNDER’S STORY
Ears Over Fears was born in 2019 when Jess Beard, a 28-year-young metastatic breast cancer fighter, visited Walt Disney World. The “Happiest Place on Earth” definitely worked its magic on Jess. She rocked her Nightmare Before Christmas “Sally” ears from her wheelchair as she and her husband, Jon, enjoyed the best vacation – one that took their minds off cancer. Jess decided that she’d bring this joy home with her by wearing different sets of “ears” to her chemotherapy treatments. They reminded her that she is stronger than her fears and that there is always magic in life.
Jess created Ears over Fears to share this magic. The program was created to give parents the opportunity to have open discussions about their children’s fears surrounding cancer. Creating their personalized ears is a fun activity and they can wear them as a reminder that they too are stronger than their fears.
Jess’s friends and family hosted Jess Fest, an event to raise awareness about metastatic breast cancer and raise funds to help offset the expenses a cancer diagnosis brings. The day was filled with fun activities that included making ears for Jess to wear throughout her treatments. Jess named the activity Ears Over Fears. In honor of her, we have incorporated this into Respite Retreats programs.
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To support this impactful program, please visit our AmazonSmile wish list or make a tax-deductible donation below. We appreciate your kindness!
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If you are interested in participating in a Virtual Retreat, please visit https://respiteretreats.org/virtual-retreats for more information.
If you are interested in receiving stuffed animals for your children through Bryanna’s Love, a Respite Retreats partner, please visit http://bryannaslove.org/Family-Support/ and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.