About the project

Published 2023-11-15

The String of Beads project was created for patients suffering from fibromuscular dysplasia and spontaneous coronary artery dissection. The originator and implementer of the project is Beata Budzkowska, who in 2019 suffered a stroke due to carotid artery dissection and was positively diagnosed with fibromuscular dysplasia. In 2023, a Culture Fly Foundation! was established, which took over the implementation of additional tasks in line with the idea of ​​supporting patients suffering from FMD and SCAD and social education about both diseases.

Our mission is:

  • public education about fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD);
  • support for patients suffering from the above-mentioned diseases.

What we have already accomplished?

  • In the years 2020-2023, we have prepared a short documentary about the disease and its effects. For this purpose, we conducted a number of meetings and interviews with patients from all over Poland, and from these conversations a touching and emotional short documentary about diseases was created.
  • Thanks to the help of the National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw, primarily Dr. hab. n.med. Jacek Kądziela, who was involved in helping us during the implementation of our project, as well as thanks to the support of the University of Gdańsk and lecturers of the Faculty of Philology, including Dr. Marta Tymińska, we have prepared this website, the main purpose of which is to present information on FMD and SCAD consistent with current medical knowledge.
  • We run social media in which we present a series of infographics about both diseases.
  • We run our support online groups for patients where we share our experience.


In Progress:

  • We will prepare printed materials that will be available in cardiology clinics and doctors’ offices containing information on FMD and SCAD.
  • We plan to publish a book describing the experiences of patients diagnosed with FMD and SCAD.
  • We plan to organize scientific conferences to spread knowledge about FMD and SCAD among primary care physicians and emergency department employees throughout Poland, as well as patients and their families.
  • We are preparing a cooperation plan with international organizations supporting patients suffering from FMD and SCAD outside Poland.