You go girl! Beading to Beat Autism

May 15, 2011 by Stacie Hooder

Fourteen-year-old Michala Riggle is already a well established fund-raiser and beader. At the tender age of ten, she managed to raise $300,000 in six months with beaded bracelets!

Michala’s mission all started back in 2006. Her youngest brother, Evan, has autism and was responding well to experimental Glutathione IV treatments. Michala wanted to help other kids like her brother battle autism with this new medicine. Michala’s original goal was $200,000; Kosair Children’s Hospital needed that amount to conduct the study. Michala enlisted help to bead and distribute thousands of bracelets at local art shows and community events. She beat her original goal by $100,000 and put autism in living-room conversations across the nation.

Michala has a new goal: a three-year plan to raise $300 million to build the most comprehensive autism research and treatment center in the world and bring autism awareness to greater heights. Michala’s dream is to make the “We Believe!” International Autism Research and Treatment Center a place like St. Jude’s Hospital, where autism patients receive treatment and care regardless of their financial circumstances. The Center will also be a first-class, independent research facility striving to find the cause of autism and a cure.

Michala and her family need your help to meet this tremendous goal that will touch the lives of so many. The Michala Riggle Beat Autism Foundation, Inc. is now an official 501c-3 non-profit foundation. The first phase of her fundraising campaign is kicking off this month and she is sending out FREE beading kits to anyone who signs up to help raise money for the center. The kits contain enough beads to make 300 bracelets.

This is a great opportunity for beaders and crafters to help this worthy cause. Take the kits into schools, youth groups, summer camps, Girl Scouts, or just invite friends over for a beading party for a great cause. The bracelets are then to be used in fundraising efforts for a suggested donation of $3/each. Michala and her mom Emlyn made a fantastic video explaining the initiative on YouTube.

Please consider helping Michala (and thousands with Autism) complete her worthy goal! Sign up to receive your beading kits today and become a fundraiser for Beading to Beat Autism. You can also make a donation to the foundation without signing up for bracelets. Michala has set the course, let’s help her reach the destination!

Next Idea:

17 Beaded Bracelet Tutorials

Comments

Sue and Danny says
May 21, 2011 at 7:38 pm
Dear Michala – You are an angel on earth! How beautiful your soul is to help your brother Evan and others like him! 15 years ago when my son Danny was diagnosed autism was 1 in every 10,000; Today it is 1 in every 91 (published in CDC Centers for Disease
Control is 1 in every 100) and in California 1 in ever 62…. My son Danny loves to bead – he strings beads for himself (etsy store) and also for individuals with Altzheimers (we hand deliver to local residential facilities)… the pieces he creates are divided 50/50…. we sell for a profit for his etsy store and give all the pieces to patients who suffer from Altzheimers. (Altzheimers is a ditant cousin to Autism)… It is heartwarming to read your story and also how powerful your message is! My son and I haven’t met you – but we love you… YES YES YES We would love to make beads for you to help spread your message!!!!! Good luck – All our love, Sue and Danny xox
Erin says
June 1, 2011 at 10:27 am
If you knew Michaela’s parents, Emlyn and Dave, you would see where she gets her sweet spirit and dedication. They are wonderful, Godly people. Great job Michaela!

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Crafting for a cause | Im so addicted to handmades says:
May 19, 2011 at 7:50 pm
[…] $100,000 and put autism in living-room conversations across the nation. Read complete article on: Craft Gossip This entry was posted in Jewels. Bookmark the permalink. ← Quirky uses for fabric […]

Have you read?

Hama BioBeads Review: The Eco-Friendly Fuse Beads You’ll Love

As a long-time crafter, I’ve worked with all kinds of materials, but there’s something about fuse beads that never gets old. The creativity, the colors, the nostalgia—it’s all part of the fun! But let’s be honest, traditional plastic beads aren’t exactly great for the environment. That’s why I was so excited to try Hama BioBeads, an eco-friendly alternative that promises all the fun of classic Hama beads without the plastic guilt. So, do they live up to the hype? Let’s dive in!

What Are Hama BioBeads?

Hama BioBeads are a biodegradable version of the classic Hama fuse beads. Instead of being made from petroleum-based plastic, these beads are crafted from a plant-based, eco-friendly material that naturally decomposes over time. That means less plastic waste while still enjoying the same vibrant colors and creativity that fuse bead lovers expect.

First Impressions: Do They Feel Different?

When I first opened the pack, I was curious—would they feel different from traditional beads? The answer: not really! The beads are slightly smoother to the touch, but they’re just as easy to handle, pick up with tweezers, and place on a pegboard. The colors are just as bright and bold, which was a big relief since I was worried they might look dull or faded.

One of the things I love about these beads is that they’re the same size as regular Hama beads, so they work with all my existing pegboards and accessories. No need to buy new tools or change my crafting process!

How Do They Fuse?

Now, onto the real test—how well do they iron together?

I followed my usual fusing process, using parchment paper and a medium heat setting on my iron. The beads melted together perfectly, just like regular Hama beads. No weird smells, no uneven melting—just smooth, well-bonded designs.

I also noticed that once cooled, the fused beads felt a bit sturdier than traditional plastic beads. That’s a huge plus because sometimes regular beads can feel brittle or break apart too easily.

What Makes Hama BioBeads Special?

? Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable – The biggest selling point! These beads naturally break down over time, reducing environmental impact.
? Non-Toxic & Safe for Kids – Made from natural materials, they’re a safer option for little crafters.
? Same Great Quality – They look, feel, and fuse just like classic Hama beads—no sacrifice in quality!
? Works with Existing Hama Accessories – You don’t need special pegboards or tools; they fit right into your current stash.
? Great for Schools & Eco-Conscious Crafters – If you’re an educator or a parent looking to introduce sustainability to kids in a fun way, these are perfect!

The only potential downside is that since these are a newer product, they may not be as widely available as traditional Hama beads. Some colors also seem to be in and out of stock, so if you see a set you love, I’d suggest grabbing them while you can.

If you love fuse bead crafting but want a more sustainable option, Hama BioBeads are a fantastic choice. They’re just as fun, colorful, and easy to use as regular Hama beads, but they come with the added bonus of being better for the planet. Whether you’re a hobby crafter, a parent, or a teacher, these beads are a guilt-free way to get creative.

So if you’re looking to make your crafts a little greener, give Hama BioBeads a try! Check them out here!