Childhood Cancer

Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

Support groups for siblings

Many hospitals have responded to the growing awareness of siblings’ natural concerns and worries by creating hospital visiting days for them. This allows both parent time with the siblings and the opportunity for the siblings to explore and become familiar with the hospital environment. Sibling days allow interaction with other kids who have a sibling with cancer and with staff, and a time to have questions answered and concerns addressed. Some hospitals have expanded these 1-day programs into ongoing support groups to improve communication, education, and support for siblings.

Our local brain tumor support group has just started a monthly meeting for siblings. They have pizza, there’s a counselor involved, and parents attend their own meeting in another room.

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Annie went to Camp Goodtimes long after her brother stopped going and attended camp as many years as they would allow. She intends to be on the staff at camp next summer.