Story Columns

Siblings with a Mission offers support to siblings of all ages and backgrounds through stories. We share stories written by siblings and sibling supporters to provide suggestions to others and to spread awareness about the sibling experience.

We are always looking for siblings and sibling supporters to share their stories! Please contact us if you would like to share your story! We would love to hear from you.
Click here to find ideas and suggestions for writing your story! Click here to learn about our publishing procedure.

You can view all of the stories we have posted below. You can also click on the links below to visit the story columns for each Support Group.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Story Column
Down Syndrome Story Column
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Story Column
Cerebral Palsy Story Column
Bipolar Disorder Story Column
ADD/ADHD Story Column
Sibling Grief Support Story Column

Story Column: All Posts

"A Siblings' Suppressed Emotions,"
By Kathryn McNamara
     "Growing up as I had for years made me realize I am lost. In the last year I found myself, yet I still experience a lot of doubt. I classify myself as faithful, hopeful, and determined, and I know I want to make a difference. It is just difficult to battle the distortions that stop me from amounting to anything."
   In her story, Kathryn highlights the difficulties that many siblings in the special needs community experience. It is not easy to be a sibling. At times, siblings can feel alone, lost, and imperfect. Because of the challenging situations siblings commonly face, it is incredibly important for siblings to receive support. It is important for siblings to be heard. Please read Kathryn's raw, emotional, and eye-opening story here.

"How to Stay Connected With Your Sibling,"
by Bethany Light
    Do you live far from your sibling? Are you going away to college? Do you want to stay in touch with your sibling but you don't know how? Bethany Light, a Chairman of the Bipolar Disorder Group, explains several ways how you can stay connected with your sibling. Read the article here.

"When You're Dating and You Have a Sibling with Special Needs," by Staci Lawson
        Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend? Are you worried about introducing him or her to your sibling? Staci Lawson, a Chairman of the ASD Group, offers her advice and 4 steps to fun and success. Read her story here.

"Eli's Impact" by Analia Rodriguez
    Analia Rodriguez, US Chairman of the Down Syndrome Group, shares her heartwarming and awe-inspiring story of her brother, Eli, and his influence on her life. This is a must read! Read Ana's story here.

"When your MPS Brother or Sister is in the Hospital," by Perri Bryan
    As a MPS sibling there is one thing that we all experience: hospitals. What should you do when your MPS brother or sister is in the hospital? Perri shares her story here.

"5 Tips for Dealing with Hospital Stays,"
by Kathryn Malnight
    Is your sibling in the hospital? What should you do? Here are 5 tips to remember:
1) Focus on Other Things
2) Keep a Conversation Going
3) Talk to Your Teachers
4) Don't Isolate Yourself
5) Remember that You Matter Too!
Read the story here

"They Said," by Sarah Gniazdowski
    Have you lost a sibling or friend? Do you ever wonder how your sibling would be today? Would he or she graduate high school? Get married? Live happily? These are the questions Sarah contemplates. Read Sarah's heartwarming and inspiring story about her brother, Danny, here. This is a must read!! You will get chills and may even cry reading this story.

"Navigating the Feelings of Those with ADD and ADHD" by Abigail Walker
    What are 10 common questions and sentences you should never say to someone with ADD and ADHD? Read Abby's story here.

"Growing Up as a Sib" by Julia Lipsit
    Do you have a brother or sister with special needs? Do you often feel sad, angry, jealous, frustrated, or guilty? In her story, Julia offers her advice and explains that those feelings are normal. Remember you are not alone. Hang in there, stay strong, and "just keep swimming." Read the story here.

"Remembering the Day My Whole World Changed," by Perri Bryan
    "Everyone was changed in someway that day. My brother had such a large influence on everyone’s life." On September 17, 2007, Perri's brother, Ray, passed away. In her heart-warming story, Perri describes her last few moments with her brother. Read Perri's story here.

Nathan Grant publishes "The MPS Sibling"
      Do you have a brother or sister diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) or a related disorder? Do you ever feel angry, sad, jealous, disappointed, or guilty? Do you get upset when people stare at your brother or sister? If so, read "The MPS Sibling: Short Stories for Brothers and Sisters." In his book, Nathan shares his story about living with a twin brother diagnosed with MPS. In addition to explaining what MPS is, "The MPS Sibling" also includes 28 stories from MPS siblings and families around the world. Read more about the book here.

"Alexandria's Story: How MPS Changed My Life,"
by Alexandria Young.
    Alexandria has a sister with MPS IIIA Sanfilippo syndrome. In her story, Alexandria talks about her sister's diagnosis and how her sister has changed her life. This is a very good story. Read Alexandria's story here.

"Rare Disease Day: A Day in Remembrance"
by Chelsey Klenke
    Rare Disease Day takes place on February 29. It is a day to remember and support those who are living with rare diseases. In her story, Chelsey talks about her brother Kraig, who had a rare disease known as MPS II Hunter Syndrome. Kraig's disease affected Chelsey in many ways, both good and occasionally bad. However, Chelsey always found happiness in every situation. As Chelsey says, Kraig taught her "the importance of enjoying life. He has inspired [her] to pursue her dreams and work hard at whatever [she] does." Read Chelsey's heart-warming story here.

"Smile Back," by Analia Rodriguez
   Do you get upset when people stare at your sibling? Do you stare back? Do you walk away? Or do you simply smile? This is a difficult topic, for many siblings. However, good news! We completely understand your situation. In her story, Analia explains what she does when people stare at her brother. Read Analia's helpful story here.

"High School Students Host Pizza Party for Special Needs Classrooms," by Nathan Grant
   High school students from Cincinnati Country Day School learned what it is like to live with disability. By hosting a pizza party for two special needs classrooms, these high school students learned that disability does not define personality. Learn more about this news story here.

"Looking Back in Love," by Analia Rodriguez
    What do you do when people stare at your sibling? What do you do when people ask why your sibling is "different?" In her story, Analia explains that anger is never the answer. People look at your sibling because they are curious. They want to know more. Instead of getting upset, smile back and explain your sibling's diagnosis. As Analia describes, having a special needs sibling gives you the unique opportunity to understand disability. Be proud of that! Use your experiences to spread awareness of disability and teach others what it's like to live with a special needs sibling. Remember, as a sibling, you are the spokesperson for all those who cannot speak for themselves. So the next time someone stares, don't look back in anger. "Look back in love."

"The Separated Inseparable Twins"
by Katie McNamara
    Does your sibling ever become angry or aggressive? Does your sibling live in a residential home or school? If so, read Katie's story. In her story, Katie describes her unconditional love for her brother Brian. Growing up, Katie and her brother were inseparable. However, as Brian became aggressive, Katie's family had to make a difficult decision that many families eventually face: They had to let Brian live in a residential school away from home. As Katie describes, "I felt as if my best friend was taken away from me." Though Katie was sad, she soon realized that Brian was in a safe and supportive environment. The situation helped Katie better understand her brother, as well as herself and her goals. Katie and her twin brother's separation has ironically brought them closer together, and has helped transform Katie into the kind, understanding, and passionate person she is today. Read Katie's inspirational story here.

"An Open Letter to the New Therapist"
by Bethany Light
    Does your sibling have a caregiver or therapist? While caregivers are here to help families and relieve some of the stress, sometimes they end up adding more challenges to the situation. It's not always easy to have a caregiver. In her open letter, Bethany explains the challenges that come with having a new therapist. As Bethany states, "My brother's time is not any less valuable because he is in a wheelchair. So, therapist, I'm at a loss. How can we reach a solution so you can see my brother in a timely manner?" Read how Bethany highlights and manages the challenges to having a new therapist in her letter here.

"Forever Joyful," by Louise van den Berg
    "With a smile as sweet as honey, and a friendliness hard to forget. Her hug is that of a teddy bear, warm and comforting." In her poem, Louise describes what it's like to have a special needs sibling. Read our first ever poem here.

"Running for a Cure," by Chelsey Klenke
     Our Vice-President Chelsey Klenke is participating in a 5K run to raise money and spread awareness for MPS. Please read and support Chelsey's story here.

"Sight for Life: Be Inspired to Serve Others,"
    by Sachi Bhati
Sachi and her siblings created a nonprofit organization to raise money and help kids get access to dental, vision, and primary medical care. As Sachi says, "Growing up, we always heard stories about how generations of our family helped people. My grandfather never let us forget that no matter how young you are, you are always able to make a difference." Read Sachi story, and learn one way you can serve the special needs community here.

"Christmas Morning," by Alexandria Young
     Christmas morning is different for those in the special needs community. Usually, you wake up at the crack of dawn and go wake up your parents and then go and open presents. However, living with a special needs sibling can come with additional tasks that aren't always easy. As Alexandria explains, "You have to help special needs children through everything. It's hard and you need patience. However, you learn to have a lot of patience when you have a sibling with a disability." Read Alexandria's story here to find out what it's like to spend Christmas with a sibling with special needs.

"My Advice to Siblings and Other Family Members Who Are Mourning During the Holiday Season,"
by Avery Piefer
       What is it like spending the holidays without your brother or sister? It can be a sad time, but it can also be a time to remember all of the fun and meaningful memories with your friends and family. As Avery explains in her story, "Don't leave yourself miserable over the holidays. That's not what your loved one wants, and that's definitely not something that you want. Go ahead, mourn the loss of that loved one, but do it in a positive way. You have millions of great memories to relive. Cherish them." Read Avery's beautiful and inspiring story here.

"The Christmas Mornings We Remember"
by Chelsey Klenke
     It is hard to spend the holidays without your brother and sister. In her story, Chelsey explains how important it is to appreciate what you have. As Chelsey says, "This Christmas morning we will sit around the tree and look back on all of the memories we have with my brother and wish that we had to wait on him to wake up to open presents." Read Chelsey's beautiful and heart-warming story here.

"The Simplicity of a Hopeful Holidays," 
by Kathryn McNamara
    While living with a disability can be difficult, it can also teach you invaluable life lessons. Life with special needs can teach you to be more appreciative, and more thankful for the little things in life. As Kathryn explains in her story, the holidays are not about the presents you get. Rather, the holidays are about family and love. "What matters most [is that] I can sit in my living room, enjoy the scenery of my beautiful Christmas tree alongside my mother, and help my twin brother, Brian, understand the holiday and truly participate during the holiday to make his day meaningful for him." Read Kathryn's inspirational story here, and have a happy holidays!

"What in the World is Research?"
by Manav Midha
      Research is one of the best ways to help families in the special needs community. However, what really is research? And how do you get involved, and when is the right time to get involved? As Manav explains in his article, "All of the research we do is for one main reason, and one reason only - for the people. For patients, for their families, for their friends, for humanity; doing research is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have." You are NEVER too young to get involved in research. As Manav states, "Do not let your age hold you back, chase your dreams! Make a difference in the world! Because you can, and you are the future!" Read Manav's story here to learn how you can get involved in research, and contact us if you have questions. We hope this story inspires you!

"His Fight, Our Fight,"
by Kylie Gulley
     In her story, Kylie explains what it's like to live with a brother with MPS. Though there are many challenges that come with having a MPS sibling, Kylie's brother Martin has taught her many valuable life lessons. As Kylie explains, Martin "has taught me to never underestimate someone because you can do anything if you truly believe." Martin's condition touches everyone. As Kylie states, it's not just Martin's fight. It's everyone's fight. Read's Kylie's insightful and inspirational story here.

"Finding Acceptance,"
by Hannah Engle
      What do you do when people stare at your sibling? What do you do when people ask uncomfortable questions? In her story, Hannah explains how important it is for siblings and families to spread awareness and educate others about disabilities. As Hannah states, “Most who don’t live in a household with a sibling with a disability usually don’t understand.” To help individuals with special needs, Hannah proposes a call of action: “As siblings and family members, it’s up to us to spread awareness and promote acceptance for those with disabilities.” Read Hannah’s story here.

"Life Changes,"
by Mike Wier
      Life changes after you lose a loved one. In his story, Mike explains how he has learned to cope with his feelings. As Mike describes, "To look at where I am now, I am no longer how I used to be. I am honest with myself. If I am sad I will allow myself to be sad. I am no longer in constant pain or worry." By sharing his story, Mike hopes to show other siblings and families that they are not alone. There are people who understand. Read Mike's wonderful story here.

"Living with Cerebral Palsy: A Sister's Perspective,"
by Aleeza Shakeel
       March 25 is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a brain injury or malformation that occurs while a child’s brain is under development. While it can be difficult to live with Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy does not define one's life. In her story, Aleeza explains what it is like to have a sister with Cerebral Palsy. As Aleeza says, "My sister cannot walk or talk, but instead is rolled around in a wheelchair and make noises as a baby. But you know what, she’s happy! She is essentially the 'ray of sunshine' in the house that has brought our family closer together." Read Aleeza's inspirational story here. Thank you, and Happy National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day!

"A Sibling's Serenity Found,"
by Kathryn McNamara
     Follow Kathryn through her tough journey to gain independence. In her story, Kathryn talks about how time away from her brother has given her an opportunity to find herself and face her emotions. As Kathryn says, "I am no longer a refuge of the past at all. I can create my future the way I want it to be. I just need to improvise and focus on myself for a change." Read Kathryn's story here.

"Dealing with Stares,"
by Mahisha Ramalingam
      What do you do when someone stares at your sibling who has special needs? Do you stare back? Do you get angry? This is a challenging situation and many siblings experience this. As Mahisha says in her article, "It is really annoying when people stare. But you should understand that when a person looks at your sibling, surprisingly, it's just human nature. People stare because they are curious. They want to know more." Instead of staring back or getting angry, realize that you have a unique opportunity to understand what it is like to live with someone who has a disability. How special does that make you?! Next time someone stares, keep in mind how special you are and, if you want, use the opportunity to spread awareness of your brother or sister's condition. Read Mahisha's inspiring suggestions here.

"The How and Why of Telling a Sib's Story"
By Stacey Gruber, Director of Support Services
     The sibling voice is unique and very important. Growing up with a sibling who has special needs can be difficult. Siblings may face challenging emotions such as anger, disappointment, confusion, jealousy, and guilt. Despite this, not many people know about the sibling experience. As Stacey explains, "As I’ve grown and confronted realities of my past, present, and future as a sibling, I’ve realized that sharing my unique story is so important. People who don’t have an experience as a sibling of a person with disabilities sometimes never think about how our lives are different – and at the same time the same – in so many ways. I’ve learned that my story can impact clinicians, policy, community organizations, and society as a whole just from one single ripple effect. Combined with so many others that are creating their own ripples, we have a way to create a wave of change that is meaningful to ourselves and our siblings." Though sharing a story can be difficult, Stacey provides suggestions for navigating the challenges that come with sharing a story. Our stories can raise awareness and support others who are facing similar situations. Please read Stacey's inspiring story here. Then, go and share your story! If you would like to share your story on our website, please contact us. We are always looking for stories to share.

"You Are Not Alone!"
By Kristina de Mora
      Siblings and families in the special needs community may feel isolated and alone. They may feel like no one understands their situation. Having a strong network of support is very important. In her story, Kristina explains that "parents of children with special needs don’t intend to leave siblings behind, but with the hustle and bustle of doctor’s appointments, educational meetings, and therapies, it just happens." Kristina suggests that siblings try to arrange some alone time with their parents. Furthermore, Kristina advises siblings to remember that "while having a sibling with special needs can be hard at times, it also can teach you a great deal of life lessons." So while life may be challenging, remember that you are special and you are not alone. Read Kristina's insightful story here.

"Dealing With Your Sibling's Disability"
By Hafsa Hamid
    It can be difficult to accept your brother or sister's disability. This is especially challenging when your brother or sister who has special needs is older than you. In her story, Hafsa explains, "Whilst all our situations are unique, the experiences we share are very similar. There is one thing we all need to accept at some point: we can’t change our siblings. No amount of anger or denial will magically make my brother’s disability disappear nor will it change things in any way. He probably will never lead a normal life and he’ll always need his younger sister to take care of him but that doesn’t necessarily have to be such a hard thing." Hafsa suggests that siblings try to understand their brother or sister's differences by reading about their disability. As Hafsa reminds siblings, "We should cherish [our relationships with our siblings] but at the same time our siblings should not feel like a burden to us. You still have a life outside of your home over which you have control and in which you can do things you like. An extra responsibility should not be the focus of your life because at the end you are still your own person." Read Hafsa's inspiring story here.

"Funny Moments with Frank,"
By Mike Wier
     There are some moments in life that are small yet bring us a lot of happiness and joy. These “little moments” of joy and love that we share with our family and friends allow us to cherish our memories forever. In this beautiful story, Mike shares the little unforgettable moments that he has had with his brother, Frank. As Mike says, "Frank would have the biggest smile on his face that I’ve ever seen anyone able to conjure. His face was the face of pure joy and happiness. If you saw this happening you would have to smile and laugh too, there was no way around it. There was such joy and happiness in his heart, despite the hardships he went through; he put smiles on all of our faces." Mike's story offers a perspective on the “little moments” of life that will leave you in tears and in awe. Read Mike’s amazing story here.

"How My Twin Brother Has Changed My Life,"
By Josh Glauser
   How much of a difference can two minutes make? You might not think a lot, but in this story, Josh shows us otherwise. Born two minutes apart from his twin brother Jacob, Josh explains how growing up with his brother, who has autism, has changed his life dramatically. In this inspirational story, Josh shares how his brother taught him the importance of compassion, patience, and love. As Josh says, "My experiences with Jacob have shaped me into the person I am today. I have a passion for learning because I know Jacob will never know the secrets of the universe or read the classics. I train hard when I run on the track team because I know Jacob will never experience the liberating feeling of sprinting. I am passionate about playing the piano because I know Jacob will never be able to create stories out of sheet music. I pick up trash after the football games and hold doors open for strangers because I know Jacob will never be able to assist someone else. But he has helped me in more ways than he could ever imagine." As Josh explains, "Jacob has taught me that all the aspects of life must be embraced fully, because you never know what the future holds. Every second should be used, because I know--so well--that two minutes can change a life." Read Josh's incredibly inspirational story here!

"Supporting a Friend with Anxiety: Are You Helping or Harming?"
By Jennifer McGregor
     Having a friend suffering from anxiety can be difficult, and you may not know what to do during certain situations. In her story, Jennifer explains what it may be like for someone to live with anxiety, and offers some suggestions for how one can best support a friend. As Jennifer states, "You do not need to be a trained counselor to support an anxious friend. You simply need to be understanding." Read Jennifer's insightful suggestions here.

"How to Help Your Child with Their Educational Anxiety,"
By Noah Smith
      Do you know a child who experiences anxiety? Do you know a child who faces anxiety when it comes to education or schoolwork? If so, read this story. Not many people understand what it is like to live with an anxiety disorder, and this can make it very difficult for children to learn how to cope during occasionally difficult situations. Educational anxiety is a specific and unique type of anxiety, and children often experience a heightened sense of educational anxiety before and during the first few weeks of school. In his story, Noah explains how parents, family members, and friends can help children experiencing anxiety. As Noah states, "If you sense there is a problem, the first thing you should do is talk to your child about it." Read Noah's story here.

"Advice on Dealing with Anniversaries and Their Death Period,"
By Perri Bryan Elliott
      It can be extremely hard when a sibling passes away. As Perri says, "This article is about how I personally deal with anniversaries and with losing my brother in general. I wanted to share this information because losing a loved one is difficult. I don't want anyone to ever feel like they are alone in feeling how they are feeling. So, I wanted people to see the different things that I do during hard times to make this time a little easier." Read Perri's story here.

"Our Last Days,"
A Script by Perri Bryan Elliott
      It can be extremely difficult to lose a sibling. While no one should have to experience this, many siblings do. This script offers an illuminating and insightful depiction of what it is like to experience grief through a sibling's perspective. From sorrow to disappointment, the journey of grief and understanding can be a challenging one. This story portrays a broad range of emotions and it may be difficult to read for some. However, this script is one of few which explains the love and grief from a sibling's point of view. Read Perri's beautiful script here.

"Addiction Fans the Flame of Depression: Two Recovering Addicts Talk About Their Struggle to Find Themselves,"
By Constance Ray
      People suffering from depression are always looking for ways to cope with the sometimes crippling weight of their mental health condition. Sadly, sometimes people choose things that ultimately make them feel worse, like drugs or alcohol. But no matter what struggle you're going through, let Vernon and Dave offer you some hope: they've overcome depression and substance abuse, and are sharing their stories so they can inspire others to seek whatever help they need to live a happy life. Read the story here!

"Siblings with a Mission Partners with Orange Socks,"
By Manav Midha, Operations Executive
     Siblings with a Mission has partnered with Orange Socks to collect and publish stories about the sibling experience. Our two organizations will work together to increase support for siblings and families in the special needs community. Read the article here.

"Story and Article Ideas,"
By Nathan Grant, President and Founder
   Calling all siblings, families, and interested individuals!
Do you have a sibling or family member with special needs? Do you know someone who has a disability? Do you have a story to share? If so, read this article! Siblings with a Mission strives to give siblings, families, and professionals in the special needs community a place to share their stories. By sharing stories, we hope to provide support and increase awareness of what it is like to live with special needs. With more stories, we can provide more support and make a positive impact for siblings and families in the special needs community. We encourage you to share your story today! Please read this article for suggestions and examples of stories you may want to share, and how you can submit your story today. Read the article here.

"Growing Up and Getting Older,"
By Katy Malnight
     Many people live with a lot of uncertainty in their lives: What am I going to be when I grow up? Where will I go to college? Will I get married? But for Katy, this uncertainty stems from another place: her brother. In this moving story, Katy describes her fear of growing up with her sibling and getting older, and what that means for her and her brother. Katy explains her fear that her brother will not be accepted by others, and her perseverance in helping her brother become independent. To read Katy’s eye-opening story, click here.

"A SuperHero Story"
By Avram Joseph
     What is it like to learn that your child is diagnosed with a rare terminal disease? What do you do to move forward, to help your child? In his story, Avram explains what it was like to find out that his son Kalel has Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) II Hunter syndrome. Determined to find help for his son and others, Avram and his wife created the nonprofit organization MPS SuperHero Foundation, Inc. As Avram explains, "Most people won't ever meet their hero, but me, I'm raising mine." Read Avram's inspiring story here.

"Embracing Individuality When A Twin,"
By Kathryn McNamara
     Having a sibling with special needs can come with many challenges. These challenges can be especially unique when one is a twin. In her story, Kathryn explains what it is like to have a twin brother with autism, and the challenges she faces. As Kathryn says, "Because my twin brother Brian, who has autism, and I grew up side by side, I found it difficult to separate from him; therefore, I never really had individuality." Kathryn's story highlights some of the common challenges many siblings in the special needs community experience. Read Kathryn's story here.

"Resources for Siblings,"
By Bethany Light
     Are you looking for resources that serve siblings in the special needs community? In this article, Bethany highlights several organizations, books, and TV shows that siblings have found resourceful. Check out the helpful list here!

"5 Things You Shouldn't Say to a Teen With Anxiety,"
By Noah Smith
     There’s no cure for anxiety, but with treatment, many teens can effectively manage their symptoms. Unfortunately, approximately 8 out of 10 kids with an anxiety disorder do not receive adequate treatment for their condition. Reasons for lack of treatment vary from teens who conceal their symptoms to parents who are embarrassed or unwilling to seek help for their children. In this story, Noah shares 5 phrases you should never utter around an anxious teen. Read Noah's suggestions here.

"Danny's Legacy," by Sarah Gniazdowski
     When Sarah’s brother Danny passed away, Sarah vowed to live a life in honor of the life her brother did not have the chance to live. It took a long time, however, for Sarah to realize that she did “not have the duty of carrying on Danny’s legacy, for he, himself, carries it on daily.” As Sarah explains, “From somewhere over the rainbow, Danny continues to change lives. Sure, I do my part in spreading awareness and telling Danny’s story, but it is Danny’s impact on others and on me that inspires people.” Sarah’s story shows how one person can impact the world. Sarah calls on all family members to realize the importance of telling their loved one’s story. Read Sarah’s beautiful story here.

"Disability Stats in the U.S.," by Bethany Light
     When we think of minority groups in America, we often think of very small groups of people and often along the lines of race, gender, and ethnicity. This article, however, provides insights and statistics about another group: people with disabilities. "In the United States, 1 in 5 people have a disability. In 2009, that was 19% of the population, or about 56.7 million people." While people with disabilities may be perceived as a minority, "disabilities are very common and something that 1 in 5 people in the United States live with every day." With these statistics, disabilities do not seem so uncommon after all. Read some very interesting facts and statistics about disabilities here.

"Sisterly Support of Autism,"
by Kathryn McNamara
     Some people may think that having a sibling with special needs is a completely negative experience. However, as Kathryn explains, having a sibling with a disability can give us a new perspective on life. In her story, Kathryn describes how her twin brother who has autism has shaped her understanding of autism and special needs. As Kathryn explains, "I accepted [my brother], and was quite proud of him, and still am because he encourages me each and every day." Today, Kathryn stands strong in support of her brother and others like him and strives to raise awareness of autism. Read Kathryn's inspirational story here.

"Is Disability A Bad Thing?: A Sibling's Perspective,"
By Will Bubenik
     What is it like to have a disability? Is having a disability an entirely negative experience? According to Will, it is not. Will Bubenik has 3 siblings who have disabilities and in his story, Will shares how his siblings have influenced his perspective and attitude toward life. As Will explains, “When one starts thinking about how to go about living life with someone who has a disability, they are already on the wrong track. They should think about how they will live their life, regardless of the disability. Sure, my autistic brother may have trouble expressing his feelings, but he is an incredible writer, actor, and performer, something that should be praised, not scrutinized. Will’s story presents the perspective of viewing the ability in “disability.” Read Will’s inspirational story here.

"Bullying,"
By Halee Jade Rodgers
      Bullying is a universal problem that most of us will face in our lifetime. Millions of people nationwide face bullying each year and it needs to stop. In Halee Jade’s story, we learn about how she and her sibling stood up to bullying and why the most important factor in stopping it is finding support. As Halee explains, "Unfortunately, as a sib, we tend to experience bullying more often than others." To read more about Halee’s encounter with bullying and how she managed to stand up to it, click here.

"Story of the Food Snatcher,"
By Perri Bryan
     Do you have any funny stories about your sibling? In this humorous anecdote, Perri talks about her brother, Ray, and his love for food. Find out where Ray’s love for food takes him in this funny story here.

"Parenting with a Disability: Preparing Your Home and Finances,"
By Ashley Taylor
    Parenthood can be challenging for everyone. It can be especially difficult for parents with disabilities. Ashley Taylor and her husband are parents with disabilities and have two children. In her article, Ashley provides advice and resources to help people with disabilities prepare their lives and their homes for parenthood. To learn more about Ashley's story and suggestions, please click here.

"Siblings with a Mission Partners with Don't Hide It, Flaunt It for 2019 National Siblings Day Project,"
Siblings with a Mission is excited to partner with Don't Hide It, Flaunt It to celebrate the siblings in our lives. We are collecting and publishing stories from siblings and sibling supporters in honor of National Siblings Day on April 10, 2019. Submit your story today! To learn more, please click here.

National Siblings Day - April 10, 2019
National Siblings Day is a holiday held every year in the United States on April 10 to recognize the special bond that exists between brothers and sisters. In honor of National Siblings Day, Siblings with a Mission has partnered with the organization, Don't Hide It, Flaunt It to share stories and raise awareness of the sibling bond and sibling experiences. We have received inspiring and amazing stories from siblings around the country and are posting these stories on our websites beginning at the end of March all the way to April 10. Please check out these incredible stories here!

"When my Brother Passed,"
By Michael Bonilla-Wier
When losing a loved one, we often become a jumble of emotions. We seem to have a conglomeration of feelings simultaneously disrupting our stream of thoughts. This is exactly what Michael went through upon the loss of his brother. He describes the mixed emotions he had felt upon the loss of a loved one and how he continues to push through everyday. His story teaches us all to value our loved ones because you can never predict the unexpected. To read Michael’s story, click here.

"Advances in Bipolar Disorder,"
By Sachi Bhati
This article gives a detailed explanation about the current advances being made to treat Bipolar Disorder as well as a brief overview of the different types and phases of Bipolar Disorder. Millions of people are affected by Bipolar Disorder and the advances being made in this field could help alleviate symptoms and potentially cure this disorder. To learn more about National Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day, click here.

"Children with Disabilities still do not have Equal Access to Education in South Africa,"
By Louise van den Bergh
Humans have a natural tendency to learn. It is nearly analogous to breathing. Learning is what perpetuated the nature of humans and what continues to drive us today. Although all humans have the will and capability to learn, not all receive the opportunity. In many countries across the world, like South Africa, people who have a disability are barred from acquiring an education. Not only is this a detrimental setback for many of the families with disabled children but also hinders the growth of the country itself. Learning is necessary for all people in order to sustain a better lifestyle. In order to provide everyone with equal access to education, we must stand up and voice our thoughts on this issue. To read more about South Africa's educational inequality and the efforts that are being taken to resolve this issue, click here.

History of Science 170: Broken Brains Blog
History of Science 170: Broken Brains is a course at Harvard College that examines the experiences and treatment of people with neurological conditions across history. As part of this course, Nathan Grant is writing blog posts about the course readings and discoveries. In this blog, Nathan examines the experiences and treatment of people with neurological conditions and their families, using history to provide insights and recommendations for change for today. Read the History of Science 170 blog here.

"Brian's Big Day!" By Kathryn McNamara
Kathryn shares her speech that she gave for her twin brother, Brian's, recent graduation! Read Kathryn's heartwarming speech here.

National Siblings Day - April 10, 2020
National Siblings Day is a holiday held every year in the United States on April 10 to recognize the special bond that brothers and sisters share. In honor of National Siblings Day, Siblings with a Mission has partnered for a second year with the wonderful organization, Don't Hide It, Flaunt It, to share stories and raise awareness of the special experiences that siblings have together. We have received inspiring and amazing stories from siblings around the country. Please check out these incredible stories here!

"The Experiences and Passions of People with Autism: Sameer Dahar"
By Shaan Dahar
Despite one’s mental or physical state, the passion and will to learn are the most fundamental aspects of growth. It is those who overcome all obstacles and still have a drive to learn who serve as an inspiration to all. Sameer Dahar serves as this inspiration. The stigma around autism prevents any diagnosed person from actively engaging within society, Shaan, the brother of Sameer, describes. However, this stigma didn’t hold Sameer back from learning essential life skills such as writing and speaking. To learn how Sameer thrived against all odds, click here.

"Columbia University School of Engineering & Applied Science’s Research"
By Bethany Light
Cerebral Palsy impacts the lives of thousands around the world and current academic institutions are working towards finding some way to alleviate the symptoms. This article gives us a comprehensive overview of the strides that are being made to help people with Cerebral Palsy through the use of advanced technology. To read about the advances that are being made, click here.

"Pressure, Pressure Everywhere"
By Stacey Gruber
We often hear the phrase,”Nobody’s Perfect,” but how accurate is this statement? Many students worldwide put an immense amount of pressure on themselves to be “perfect”. Students with a disabled sibling often feel additional pressure to compensate for whatever their sibling is unable to do. Stacey takes us through her experience as being a sibling to a disabled child. She explains that perfection doesn't necessarily mean being good at everything and it certainly doesn’t involve putting immense amount of pressure on yourself. To read more about her journey to defining perfection, click here.

"The Other Side of the Wall"
By Katie Grant
It is often practicality that disturbs a wave of optimism. In this story, Katie describes her animated brother as someone who finds deep passion in numerous aspects of life. Despite his hunger to pursue these passions, it is his high-functioning Autism that hinders his ability to do so. In this emotional story, Katie Grant describes a more realistic future for her brother Eddie, and the uncertainty that constantly bothers her. Through humorous anecdotes, Katie takes us through her emotional experiences with her brother. To read more on her story, click here.

"Ideas for Honoring Your Sibling"
By Sarah Gniazdowski
Need suggestions for how to honor the life of your sibling or loved one? In this piece, Sarah provides fun and creative ideas, along with some of her own personal and uplifting stories. From going out to your sibling's favorite restaurant to planting a tree in memory of your sibling, there are many wonderful ideas to remember, honor, and celebrate your siblings. Read Sarah's story here.

"Stuff Happens"
By Bethany Light
The most pertinent phrase to describe life is, “stuff happens.” Life can’t always be easy; the events that happen in your life aren’t always going to be in accordance with your desires. The way you live your life, however, shouldn’t be predicated by the factors you face but more so your will to push through and keep going. In Bethany’s story, she gives us times where she has been knocked down, dragged and torn apart, but through it all she pushes and strives to be the best each day. To read this short inspirational piece, click here.

"Family Support for Children with Autism: A Community Based Approach"
By Josh Glauser
The stigma surrounding autism has gone through a series of transformations over the past few decades. Josh Glauser, Vice President of Siblings with a Mission, takes us through the history of these transformations while telling us about his own experiences with his twin brother Jacob, who has autism. By describing some of the challenges his family and other families experience, Josh provides suggestions for ways to improve support for people with autism and their families. To read Josh’s story, click here.

"National Siblings Day 2021 - April 10, 2021"
National Siblings Day is a holiday held every year in the United States on April 10 to recognize the special bond that brothers and sisters share. In honor of National Siblings Day, Siblings with a Mission has partnered for a third year in a row with the wonderful organization, Don't Hide It, Flaunt It, to share pictures and stories and raise awareness of the special experiences that siblings have together. Please check out our photo collage of siblings and the incredible stories here!

"Lucky Fin"
By Caleb Waldron-Kim
The things that make us different, make us special. In his heartwarming story, Caleb talks about how his sister Savannah's "lucky fin" makes her unique and makes us all ponder and appreciate what is special and unique in our own lives. To read, Caleb's story, click here.

"My Brother Brennan"
By Mia Aube
Siblings teach us so much: from responsibility to trust, siblings grow a lot together through shared experience. As an older sibling, Mia saw her younger brother Brennan persevere with diagnoses of microtia and hemifacial microsomia. Always there for her little brother, Mia recounts the power of advocacy and compassion, and embodies the true spirit of what it means to be a sibling. To read Mia's story, click here.

"5 Tips For Helping Siblings With Disabilities Have A Secure Financial Future"
By Emma Grace Brown
Planning for your financial future is a path full of variables and uncertainties. When helping someone with disabilities plan their financial future, the journey can be much more of a challenge. With unpredictable medical bills, a limited income, and other uncertainties, the task can almost feel impossible. In her article, Emma shows that there are a number of ways that you can help a family member with disabilities prepare for their needs. To read Emma's story, click here.

"Brian's Best Buddy Edition Holiday,"
By Kathryn McNamara
In this beautiful story, Kathryn describes what the holidays are like for her twin brother Brian, who has ASD, and their family. She also shares about how the organization, Best Buddies, has helped her family, especially during the holiday season. Read Kathryn's wonderful and very moving story here. Happy Holidays!

"7 Life Lessons You Learn When Your Sibling Has a Developmental Disability,"
By Andrea Poteet-Bell
Growing up with a sibling with a developmental disability can significantly influence one's life. While there are challenges, there are also many positives that can impact one's life for the better. In this article, Andrea Poteet-Bell describes 7 life lessons that can come from having a sibling with a developmental disability. As Andrea explains, "We are our sibling’s fiercest protector, biggest cheerleader, strongest advocate, and forever best friend. Now isn’t that the definition of a hero?" Read this beautiful and moving story here.

"Graduate Gratitude,"
By Kathryn McNamara
In this sweet and touching story, Kathryn shares her honest feelings about graduating from school and the appreciation she has gained for her twin brother, who has autism. As Kathryn explains, “I strive to find the silver lining in the challenges I have faced and carry on." In a world where it is easy to be tough on oneself, Kathryn reminds the reader of the importance of gratitude and to feel proud of one’s accomplishments. Read this beautiful, moving story here.

Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with complex health conditions and developmental disabilities. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for educational purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.