A fingerprint by definition is a pattern of ridges and valleys on the surface of a finger tip. These patterns remain unchanged throughout life. It identifies a person. It is an impression. An impression is what Stacie Harwood, Radiation Oncology has made on many families in the Children's Hospital during the darkest moments in a family's life.

The Child Life staff in Children's Hospital discovered Stacie's "Fingerprint Keepsakes" at a silent auction. Stacie's charms are made from fine silver, which does not tarnish or cause an allergic reaction. We contacted Stacie to see if she was interested in making these for families in the Children's Hospital whose child had died with the intention of paying her for the charms. Stacie refused to let us pay her and makes a free charm for each family whose child dies.

Stacie has also made these charms for children on the adult units whose parent has died and for families of young adults. The charms can be worn as a necklace, dog tag or made into a key chain. This is a lasting keepsake; it is a tangible part of their child that can be touched each day. Families are touched by Stacie's generosity and the care she puts into making each charm. What a precious gift to a grieving family member.

A mother who received the charms summed it up best. "My finger prints forever entwined around my boy's, etched in metal, wrapped in love".