Writer Amy McHugh tackles the topic of supporting siblings of children with serious health concerns. Amy's daughter, Emily, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 4. Her older daughter, Isabelle, was 6 years-old. McHugh reflects on Isabelle's experiences growing up as a sibling on the sidelines, and gets lots of great advice from sibling support experts, including the Sibling Support Project! Read the full article here.  

We are thrilled to introduce The Sibling Support Bracelet, a simple and beautiful way to celebrate siblings and support The Sibling Support Project. Created by sibling and social-worker-turned-jewelry designer Bonnie Jennifer, the Sibling Support Bracelet is a beautiful, simple, timeless piece that reminds us of our secret sibling super-powers: our spirit, strength, and steadfast support of our siblings, ourselves, and each other. Most of all, it represents the unique bonds that siblings share and the knowledge that all of us are special. In honor of National Siblings Day from April 6-10, 2022, Bonnie Jennifer will donate 50% of sales of this limited edition bracelet, and 15% of anything else purchased site-wide, to the Sibling Support Project! The bracelet is available for purchase at https://bonniejennifer.com/collections/bonnie-jennifer-x-sibling-support-project. Use code: SIBSUPPORT Join us!

One of our favorite ways to learn more about sibling experiences is to hear from people with disabilities and their typically developing sibs about growing up together. Meet three fantastic sibling pairs from Washington and learn how disability was discussed -- or not -- in their families, how they handled jealousy, guilt, empathy and compassion, and what their relationships are like today. Find an hour, get comfortable, and watch here!

Nicole Hampton, the author of this post, and her sister Natalie are two incredible siblings! These high school students have recognized the power of connection through sharing stories, and they have created a unique opportunity for siblings to do just this. Here is more about Nicole, her family, and this remarkable opportunity. Throughout my life, being the sibling of a brother with a disability has been a key component of my identity. It has defined my family's interactions, our daily lives, and our view of the world. When I was younger, this life as a sibling was my normal, and I didn't realize that it wasn't normal for others. As I got older and made more friends who didn't have siblings with disabilities, I began to realize just how unique my circumstances were. Luckily, I have a twin sister, so we navigated this journey together. We also participated in many organizations that allowed us to connect with other siblings of individuals with disabilities, and these connections were immensely important in helping us feel like we had people who understood what we were going through. When I had to cancel plans last minute because my brother had a medical emergency, it was nice to have someone in my life who could understand these complications that accompanied disabilities instead of being upset that I canceled. In more recent years since our brother passed away, these connections have continued to help my sister and I feel less alone as we are surrounded by people who can understand our emotions and loss. After growing up in such unique circumstances, it's sometimes nice to hear that we're not actually that unique and other people have gone through the same thing. [...]

Hello everyone! My name is Caitlin and I am the new administrative intern here at Kindering. I am so excited to be joining the team and having the amazing opportunity to help with all things siblings through the Sibling Support Project. I am so honored to be part of an amazing project that helps sibs navigate the complicated, unique feelings that they may be experiencing and to help them realize that they are not alone. I am incredibly proud to be a sib myself and I am honored to have an inspirational sibling that I get to spend life with!    Here is a picture of me and my brother, Steven, who is a huge part of my life and my constant inspiration. He has helped guide me to the path I am on and the reason I am so passionate about working with sibs.

Are you a sibling of a person with a disability struggling for balance as you care for others? Starting to feel burned out? Wonder if self care and more balance in your life are even possible? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this podcast is for YOU! From the Sibling Leadership Network: Juggling Multiple Caregiver Roles with Emily Holl & Meghan Burke. Listen HERE!

Having a sibling can be amazing. Siblings can be built-in playmates and best friends, your partner in crime and a constant in an individual's life. Siblings represent deep-roots and home for the entire life journey they embark on together. But sibling relationships are not without complications. In this episode of the Quest Podcast, host Mindy Henderson talks with us and sibling pairs in which one of the siblings has a neuromuscular condition and the other does not. Join us to explore dynamics, considerations and strategies for navigating this relationship. Listen to the podcast here.

From November 18, 2020 to May 18, 2021, the Sibling Support Project hosted, in partnership with Special Needs Siblings and the Sibling Leadership Network, a groundbreaking series of BIPOC Sibling Roundtables.  Featuring the voices, insights, perspectives and stories of Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color who have brothers and sisters with disabilities, the series was created to expand the inclusion and diversity of the sibling support community.  As we approach the first anniversary of the inaugural event, we are planning new events and initiatives to continue and build upon the conversation. View the BIPOC Sibling Series: BIPOC Sibling Panel 1,  November 18. 2020 BIPOC Sibling Panel 2,  January 18. 2021 BIPOC Sibling Panel 3,  March 18, 2021 BIPOC Sibling Panel 4,  May 18, 2021

The FINAL episode of the 99% Effective podcast's sibling series is a panel made up of three incredible pairs of siblings reflecting on their life experiences. In this episode you will meet: Kelly and Erin, Laura and Jack, and Allison and Melissa. These siblings discuss their experiences growing up together, life aspirations, and their experiences in their communities. The SARAH Inc. Summer Sibling Series - Sibling Panel is facilitated by none other than Emily Holl (from our first episode of the Summer Sibling Series)! Emily Holl is the Director of the Sibling Support Project which was founded in 1990. It is the first national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns. Listen to the pod here!

Meet 8-year-old Zabella Hernandez from Oklahoma. Zabella recently wrote a book about her little brother, Zayvian, who is 7. The book is called Autism: The story of my amazing little brother. Zabella was inspired by Zayvian to capture the beautiful opportunities created by difference on the pages of her book. Zabella produced all of the content, including the whimsical pictures. "I wrote the book because I want everyone to understand that differences make the world a beautiful place," Zabella said. "My brother is amazing and I want everyone to treat him with kindness. He has struggles sometimes and if the world understood him more it would be easier for him. I just want him to know he is loved." Way to go, Zabella!