OUT OF THE SHADOWS!

HELPING SIBLINGS REDEFINE THE CANCER EXPERIENCE

Each year in the US, 12,400 children are diagnosed with cancer –

and approximately 18,000 siblings are thrust into a world of experiences that will leave a lasting imprint.

The siblings of children with cancer spend much of their day in school --- with their teachers and peers. SuperSibs! is working to provide YOU with information and materials that will assist you

in helping these vulnerable children and teens survive this difficult journey

as they strive to face the future with strength, courage and hope!

WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS

  • Younger siblings were reported by parents to have more externalizing behavior problems (aggression, regression, school performance). (Ferrari, 1984)
  • Older siblings are at increased risk for internalizing disorders (depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive symptoms). (Stawski, 1996)
  • Loss of ability to concentrate and attend at school (Monahon, Cynthia 1993)
  • Trauma-driven acting out behavior: sexual acting out or reckless, risk taking behavior (Monahon, Cynthia 1993)
  • Flight into driven activity and involvement with others or retreat from others in order to manage turmoil (Monahon, Cynthia 1993)
  • 53% of siblings ages 8-18 (within 2 years of diagnosis) reported moderate to severe Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms and 27% qualify for a diagnosis of PTSD (disorder). (Alderfer, 2007)

TOOLS AND RESOURCES

Click on the “FOR YOU” section for Educator Support, including

Teacher Education and Awareness Materials (TEAM Materials)

The SuperSibs! website and TEAM toolkit materials will help you:

  • Better understand what these vulnerable brothers and sisters would like their school teachers and social work staff to know about their needs during a pediatric cancer journey.
  • Determine and provide the most appropriate support resources and tools that will be of biggest benefit for the student’s educational success and psychosocial adjustment.

Teacher/Educator Podcast

under Quick Links (on the right of the screen)

Suggested Ways that School Personnel can Support Siblings

  • Truly consider the impact on the siblings of a child who has/has had cancer
  • Assign ongoing parent contact person at school
  • Err on the side of concern
  • Provide as much positive feedback as possible
  • View irritability as sadness rather than confrontation
  • Encourage peer support or set up a buddy-system
  • Decrease or modify academic demands
  • ASK the child what form of support he/she would like. (Some kids want to share, others may not)
  • Respect their desire NOT to be singled out
  • Support and recognize what they are dealing with
  • Adapt the amount of homework given
  • Give additional time on assignments

Suggested Reading (for children AND adults!)

“Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie,” by Jordan Sonnenblick

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS:

For all High School Seniors who have (or have had) a brother or sister with cancer.

Applications open in /November each year.

Visit November for the most current information, deadlines and forms.

For more information on any of the SuperSibs! programs,

Contact Sandi Ring, M.S., CCLS, National Director of Outreach and Education

phone:847-462-4742

e-mail:


Sibling Voices

When E came to the Academy, he was extremely shy and withdrawn. It with the first year after R’s illness had been diagnosed and he was still not sure how to deal with it. He was obviously very close with his brother and hadbeen emotionally affected by the illness. He rarely spoke out in class an often had to be encouraged to stay on task and do his work. He seemed to daydream a great deal. He did not interact with the other students to a great degree. The team was concerned about him. The behaviors I saw were indicative of depression. During the next two years, R’s health improved and so did E’s self confidence and grades. He stayed focused in class, took part in discussions and team projects. He discovered he was very good on the computer and became one of the students that others looked to for help. He became a leader – a quiet leader who leads by example.

- E’s Teacher

For myself and my family, these 3 years have been not so good. As it has been my whole high school career. Freshman year I didn’t get such good grades. I was too worried about L’s cancer and what we were going to do. I could barely sleep at night especially when she was in the hospital. Therefore I didn’t get much homework done.

— Teen Sibling

I was uneasy to shed my “family secret”.I didn’t want to be the girl everyone felt sorry for. But during that time, I relied the most on my friends and teachers. They were there for support, a shoulder to cry on, and all had two ears to listen to my problems.

-- Teen Sibling

She focused on the role as a helper in the house because her mother was at the hospital every day. She took time to help her brothers by getting involved with all their daily routines and involved herself in games as well as work they had to do daily. She loved her little brothers but she was giving up her teenage dreams to be an encourager to her family and help with things they needed.

-- Teacher of Teen Girl

Through her struggle was my struggle – trying to be the strongest one in the family for everyone; while maintaining two jobs; going to a rigorous college preparatory school, being loving, caring and bubbly on the outside while I was falling apart on the inside.

-- Female Teen Sib

During long stays in the hospital, I take on the responsibility as a parent for my sister. Since one, or both, of my parents are gone and my sister gets very emotional, I know that the most helpful thing I can do is take care of her.

-- Teen Boy

SuperSibs! – 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization ensuring that siblings of children with cancer can face the future with strength, courage and hope. Toll Free: 888-417-4704 Web: