We don’t know about you, but we think it’s time to recognize, celebrate, and empower the unsung HIEroes of the HIE community — the brothers and sisters who stand strong alongside their HIE siblings and those they remember who have passed.
Sometimes, our Super Sibs can bear a significant load: they are asked to take on a lot, go forth with a lot, and go without a lot, all while working through their own feelings of being a sibling to a child with disabilities, or to a child who has died from HIE.
This is why we’re thrilled to offer our support programming designed specifically for siblings in our community. Created by Annie Gunning, Hope’s Certified Child Life Specialist, these kits are filled with engaging, age-appropriate activities and meaningful resources to help celebrate their unique strengths and honor the important role they play while creating a supportive space where they can grow and thrive.
You’ve got questions? Well, we have answers. If you want to learn more about what Super Sibs is all about, how it works, and — most importantly — how it will support your family, scroll through some FAQs below.
Who qualifies to be a Super Sib?
Any sibling in the HIE community is eligible for Super Sib status. This includes those who are siblings to our current HIE warriors and to those who have died.
Is there an age limitation or cut-off?
For both our Super Sibs and Super Sibs Loss programs, our Child Life Specialist has curated developmentally appropriate activities, experiences, and programming for the following age groups:
Is this limited to siblings in the US, or is it an international initiative?
This is a GLOBAL endeavor! This past year, we have had Super Sibs join from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, England, and the Philippines!
How often does my child receive a Super Sib kit?
Your sibling will receive a Welcome Kit within a month of signing up (this is for new members only!) After that, they’ll get kits 3-4 times a year. Some will be digital, featuring easy, accessible activities and resources on our new Canvas system, while others will be physical kits delivered right to your door!
Does it cost anything to be a Super Sib?
Nope! This program is entirely free to families. We’ll cover the kits and shipping costs. In the meantime, please consider donating to help fund this initiative and help it grow. We’re also working on creating a Super Sibs Amazon Storefront to make it easy for friends, family, and the greater community to support this program and help keep it running strong!
What types of activities or experiences are included in the Super Sib kits?
Each age group has its own set of developmentally appropriate resources, activities, and experiences, along with access to meet with Annie, our Child Life Specialist and Grief-Counselor, 1:1 or in small groups! You can learn more about the focus of each kit below:
How do I stay up-to-date with Super Sib updates or communications?
When you sign up on behalf of your Super Sib, we require that you provide us with an email address. We’ll have it on file, and we’ll send out communications to let you know when the next Super Sib drop (digital or in-person) is happening!
What if we move? How do I update my address?
We’ve got a new and improved system we’re working on, here. But in the meantime, please email our Program Manager, Deanna Bryan, at Deanna@HopeforHIE.org. She will update your information for you!
As a parent or caregiver, is there a way for me to stay in touch with other parents or caregivers of Super Sibs?
Hope for HIE has a Facebook subgroup dedicated to our Super Sibs to connect with others and connect our siblings.
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