fbpx
Hope for HIE – Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Hope for HIE – Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

BLOG

April 10th is National Sibling Day – Celebrating Super Sibs

April 10th, 2023  | Family Stories  | News

 

What is a Super Sib? It’s a sibling to a baby or child with HIE – Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, across any outcome or impact.

Sometimes our Super Sibs are asked to take on a lot, go with a lot, go without a lot, and work through their own feelings of being a sibling to a child with disabilities, or have lost a sibling to HIE. Meet some of our amazing siblings below, and some short reflections from their families.

“We were finally blessed with a sibling for Noah and she loves him to pieces. She’s a force NOT to be reckoned with. She’s only 2 but she’s his keeper.”


“Cameron has the best big brothers! They love him and include him and care for him in such a special way. Watching them do life together is one of my favorite things.”


“This is a very old picture but it’s rare that all 4 are together at the same time now. Matthew, Savanah, and Maelyn love Colbey dearly. They are put on the back burner alot when Colbey needs extra anything. It’s hard for them at times, but they just love him to pieces. Maelyn spends the most time with Colbey now, she is a strong willed, bright spirited girl, working hard on finding her place in the family and world.”


“Elliot has the best cheerleader, friend and sister! His sister Penelope was born after him and from her start in this world has loved and adored her brother. She is there for him every day good or bad. Their relationship is like no other I’ve seen.”


“Vinny has 2 great older super sibs, his brother Alex & sister Italia. They have never treated him any differently. They see & treat him like a typical sibling relationship, but at the same time will advocate for his needs & stand up for him.”


“Big brother is ALWAYS there for whatever she needs.”


“My older son asks to use his old highchair to be at the same level as his sister. The love they have for each other melts my heart.”


“My two daughters love their HIE, CP, LGS little brother beyond words. They are so incredibly attentive to his every movement.”


“My HIE baby and his little sister have the most beautiful bond already. it’s amazing to see how kind and loving he is to her.”


“My HIE babe is six, the oldest brother! He has two younger brothers and an older and younger sister now! He’s such a big helper and loves his SIBS so much!”


“My beautiful boys, big brother is incredible with little brother who has Global Developmental Delay, he helps with his physio exercises at home and is constantly reminding us of our key word signs. He is an absolute champion and adores his baby.”


“Big sister Adilynn was so excited when Bear finally came home. She had to “wait forever” to meet him and now she is so in love. They have the most beautiful bond already.”


“These two! She had to wait a whole 12 days before getting Mom and Dad back from the hospital and meeting her Bubba due to his delivery and cooling/rewarming therapy, plus all other medical attention and tests. A day that we talked about for months, that ended up taking longer than we expected due to his MAS-induced pneumonia and HIE diagnosis . She claims her brother as hers all of the time and they adore one another so much. Anytime she does something that makes him laugh, she does it over and over to keep him laughing. She always wants to carry him around, play with him, and just love him with all that she has. Their relationship has been my absolutely favorite despite being worried since it was just her for 3 1/2 years!”


“Our little Jesse has six older siblings and they are amazing with him. Jesse has taught them the purest way to simply show love to one another. Such a gift in our family.”


“It’s not always easy for my kids to play together, but when they do, it makes my mama heart so happy. Carter is the best big brother.”


“Little brother Beau always wants to be right next to his Bubby! I sound like a broken record I’m sure but it’s so bittersweet seeing my youngest do things so much quicker and more efficiently than my oldest. They love playing with each other already and I cannot wait to watch my little man be the best advocate for big brother.”


“Michael is the sweetest big brother I could imagine. When his sister was born (we didn’t even know I was pregnant till I was in hospital in labor) he was very hesitant/cautious when she came home from hospital. But the bond they have grown to have is more then anything I could of expected. He is always there to guide her and help her along. He takes his time to tell her every step there might be ahead. He is her biggest cheerleader. She adores her big brother wanting to do any and everything he does. They are two peas in a pod. There is nothing the two of them can’t conquer together.”


“Our SuperSib has had a strong bond with her brother since the beginning. She always goes out of the way to make sure people know that’s my brother don’t forget him and just loves him and makes him laugh.”


“AJ is an incredible big brother. He is thoughtful, protective, caring, and helpful. He loves Jaxon so much and together they are an unstoppable force. He is Jaxon’s biggest fan. Watching them grow and learn together is amazing. We love the special bond they share.”


“Andrew is such an amazing big brother. Always ready to help, and so loving. Morgan adores him.”


“My oldest is our HIE kiddo and when we found out we were having another the fear was real. I was always worried about having enough for both kids, little did I know that baby brother would love his sister more than anyone could imagine and is always there for her.”


“Cooper has the best siblings who are constantly looking out for him and cheering him on. They involve him when they play and make sure it’s something Cooper can participate in. They love Cooper for exactly the way he is and wouldn’t change a thing about him.”


“They waited patiently 47 days until they could meet their little brother Cooper!


“Big sis has been praying for her sibling. She just adores her little sister, helps with therapies! And little sister always looks up to her. I just pray they can play soon.”


“Curtis has to be the best big brother. He just gets it. I never have to ask him to help, he just knows what to do. But he equally levels that out with being the most annoying big brother that winds her up all the time.”


“Ismael and his big brother! They are 10 years apart and big brother wanted to learn to care for Ismael as soon as he came home from the NICU. Izzy loves his big brother and will follow him with his eyes and they both share a truly magical and special bond.”


“In a world full of the unknown… SuperSibs are always your backbone. These four, no matter the age difference, will defend and love each other greatly. They are each different in their own way, and know how to walk the world hand in hand…. Stronger then ever.”


“My big boys – 17 & 15 with our HIE bubba (20months): Our big boys have had to grow up super quick since lil miss been here. It’s been a difficult transition – Watching them learn to play and entertain her makes my heart melt.”


“My oldest son and my HIE baby absolutely idolise each other.”


“These two are obsessed with each other! My oldest is my HIE baby and was destined to be a big brother. He’s patient, kind, nurturing, and the best teacher.”


“My older kids are most definitely super siblings! They fight over who Sadie gets to live with when she grows up, they adore her & meet every need that they can.”


“Dallas has HIE but he is still so good with his baby sister, Carolina. Both diagnosed with Autism and think the world of each other.”


“My HIE kiddo became a big brother in January. He LOVES his baby brother enthusiastically.”


“Super sibs are hands down the best!!!”


“Dashiell and his younger sister, Merritt. Yes, they fight a lot, but boy do they love one another. Dashiell can be shy and anxious at times, and his sister lovingly takes his hand and bravely walks into the unknown with him. I’m so glad they have one another.”


“Claire and her SuperSibs Brodie and Parker. Best crew! They play so well together and have an amazing sibling bond.”


“Our oldest is a #SuperSib to his baby brother always snuggling and loving on each other.”


“This girl is the best little sister! She loves on her big brother so much. She makes sure he is included in EVERYTHING always! She is the best at calming him down when he is having a hard time. She loves to read him books and help him read using his device. She is always willing to tell people when they are not doing something the way he prefers. She is getting really good at advocating for his independence. She makes my heart swell everyday! She is an amazing SuperSib!”


“Marshall with his big brother Mitchell they have such a great relationship. Marshall lights up when his big brother is around.”


“My big boy encourages his little brother to stand up.”


“Mountains will be moved. All we need is a concerted push.”


“Bridger is very protective of his little sister Stella . He watches out for her at school and has become very understanding of her different abilities.”


“The love between them is more tangible than I could have ever imagined.”


“Six years gap (we had to build up courage for number two). Proud big brother.”


“These are my IVF boys. Both created at the same time but born 3 years 1 month and 10 days apart. The love they have for each other is already incredible. Rio already looks up to his warrior brother Oscar!”


“Avery has 3 big brothers – I can’t commend their resilient and ability to adjust enough. They have done me so proud and they shower Avery with so much love.”


“Wilder’s super sibs are now 16, 18, and 19. They each love Wilder in their own unique way. With three burgeoning young adults, the fact that they all make a dedicated, conscious effort to come over and spend time with us and her makes our hearts happy. We love each and every one of our beautiful daughters.”


“Sophia and her Super Sib Sidney! No one makes Sophia happier then her little sister. Sidney always finds a way to adapt to her sister needs and snuggles her any chance she gets!”


“Since welcoming little sister Penelope into the world, Olivia has become more active. We truly believe the love between these sisters have sparked a healing motivation for her.”


“Connie is Charlie’s amazing little sister, she’s his biggest cheer leader and would never let Charlie be left out. She’s truest amazing.”


“Watching them together is everything to me. My hie is the oldest and having his little brother has change him in ways I can’t explain.. they both learned from each other everyday.”


“My HIE big brother is the best big brother ever.  He protects his baby & loves him so much. (Except he likes to steal his toys)”


“Weston in the front with his siblings. They are their brothers keeper.”


“Ellie may is always there to help her big brother Isaac through the hard times.”

 

SIGNUP

Connect with families, read inspiring stories, and get helpful resources delivered right to your inbox.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.