A Central Florida native turned a class assignment into a nonprofit foundation called 'Beads 4 Beats.'Lucy Howard was in eighth grade at Blankner K-8 school in Orlando when she first came up with this idea."I was in eighth grade, I was 13. We had this thing called bell work. So, every time you came into class, there was a journal prompt, and you get maybe five, six minutes to write. That day it was describe something kind you can do for others. I had just come from a neighbor's birthday party where we made jewelry, and I loved it," Howard said.She spent the first few minutes thinking, but then, Howard says she went on with the assignment and started to feel good about her idea."I can make jewelry, I could sell it and it could just benefit kids like in this community that are sick, that are terminally ill, that really don't have that support. And, you know, being 13, and I was like, that's cute," she said.Fast-forward to the present day and Howard has taken her assignment and turned it into something more than an idea.In 2010, she and her parents started 'Beads 4 Beats.' They support children and their families across Central Florida facing terminal and chronic illnesses. She says the beads are heartbeats helping to encourage the lives of children in the community."Sometimes, it may not be life or death, but it's every day you're fighting through something. And I think sometimes we forget that, you know? We forget about those children who have just chronic asthma, and every day they need treatment that is just so expensive. They can't afford it," Howard said."We began this wonderful journey with eight-year-old Sophia who battled with pediatric cancer. We supported Sophia and her family, and created a special bracelet for her. Since that time, we have gone on to help other children and their families. It has been an incredible journey supporting these families, and watching the community come together to encourage and give back to those in need," Howard said. Beads 4 Beats partners with Advent Health Foundation and UCP of Central Florida to connect with those in need. Howard says they look forward to growing and expanding as the years continue."There are people out here that want to support you that are praying for you that want to be in your corner. I hope that that makes such a difference for all of the families. So it's been an incredible journey," Howard said. Beads 4 Beats is getting ready for two major fundraisers including its 5k fun run.It's Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 a.m. at Dr. Phillips Community Park in Orlando.Click here to register and learn more about the organization.