Darbie, a precocious six year old is a cancer survivor; she is also a shining example of hope to many other children newly diagnosed or undergoing treatment. We often hear about the wonderful inspiration that adult survivors provide to newly diagnosed cancer patients, but we don’t hear enough about the child survivor offering that same support. Darbie is the recipient of Faces of Courage services; she is also a guiding light for other kids her age. “Faces of Courage has opened Darbie’s eyes to wonderful, caring people who have provided enjoyment, fun and friendship through their day and overnight camping activities, but most importantly they have brought my daughter hope.” said Darbie’s Father, Brent Atkinson.

Face of Courage Foundation provides life enriching experience to children, women and families whose lives have been touched by cancer. A non-profit, Tamp based organization providing day outings, overnight camps, family picnics, and palliative support to survivors, cancer patients and the entire family has created some very innovative approaches to service delivery. Faces of Courage is the recipient charity of the upcoming Beads & Booty Ball, sponsored by the Krewe of Agustina de Aragon and Ye Loyal Krewe of Samuel Bellamy. Darbie lost a kidney to a grapefruit sized cancerous tumor when she was only three years old. After a long struggle with surgery and treatment, she is proud to say she is a cancer survivor. She also likes to share her challenge and glory with other kids, inspiring them with hope. Like the other kids that participate in Faces of Courage activities, she enjoys letting go of the painful memories and just having a good time. “What makes our services truly unique are that they don’t only cater to sick children, we invite survivors and siblings to join in the fun. “It is all about raising the level of fun and hope to the level of pain and fear that these kids, women, and families experience with the diagnosis of cancer.” said Peggie Sherry, CEO and Founder, herself a survivor of cancer.

It is no wonder that these two dynamic krewes adopted Faces of Courage as the recipient of this year’s Beads & Booty Ball. “Work hard, play hard, give back, do all things with a full heart!” is the motto of the Krewe of Agustina de Aragon, founded in 1997 as a female krewe, fostering volunteerism and mentorship with a special emphasis on women and children. Ye Loyal Krewe of Samuel Bellamy, captained by Sheila Ryan, and founded in 2000, has adopted several philanthropic activities for children throughout the Tampa Bay area each year.

The Beads & Booty Ball will take place at the Club Underground after the Gasparilla Pirate Fest on Saturday, January 29th, from 5:00 – 10:00 PM. Club Underground is located at the end of the parade route at 802-806 East Whiting Street. Proceeds from beer and ticket sales will benefit Faces of Courage Foundation. The Beads & Booty Ball plays hosts to all the krewe revelers that have generously beaded Tampa Bay. Ticket prices are $20.00 for general admission, and $40.00 for V.I.P. admission, and include a generous portion of Spanish food, cash bars with drink specials, music, dancing and even more revelry. For tickets, make your checks payable to the Krewe of Agustina de Aragon Foundation, and mail to P.O. Box 21602, Tampa, FL 33622-1602, or click on this link to access more Information.

To find out more about Faces of Courage Foundation, contact (813) 877-2267, or visit their website at www.facesofcourage.org.