Honoring the Siblings of Childhood Cancer Patients

article by St. Jude

Did you know that April is Childhood Cancer International's (CCI) Sibling Month? Siblings play an important role in the treatment and healing process for their loved ones who have been diagnosed with cancer. Faced with the challenges of seeing their sibling deal with cancer, they show strength and resilience that deserves recognition.

ASCO's Cancer.net highlights three ways families can help support siblings when their loved one has been diagnosed with cancer:

1. Recognizing their emotions: They may feel scared, anxious, jealous, resentful, guilty, and lonely, along with many other emotions.

2. Understanding their behaviors: Because of the challenges children have with expressing emotions and feelings, they may respond behaviorally. These behaviors could including acting out, having tantrums, being moody or irritable, having physical symptoms, or doing more than usual to help other family members.

3. Helping them cope: There are many ways to help siblings deal with a cancer diagnosis, including getting additional help at home from support systems, being open and honest, reassuring them that they are loved, acknowledging and validating their feelings, helping them stay connected with their sibling, maintaining consistent routines, and seeking mental health care, if necessary.

This month, CCI is asking for support with its Sibling Month campaign by requesting that the community share pictures, testimonials, and stories on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram highlighting siblings and their strength using the hashtag #CCISiblings.