“Why National Siblings Day Is Important”
By Nathan Grant
On April 10, brothers and sisters around the country celebrate National Siblings Day to honor the special bond that exists between siblings. On this day, siblings spend time with each other and reflect on memories shared together. Many siblings also post stories, pictures, and videos on social media using the hashtag #NationalSiblingsDay.
National Siblings Day was created by native New Yorker, Claudia Evart, in 1995. According to the Siblings Day Foundation, Evart created National Siblings Day in honor of her siblings, Alan and Lisette, who passed away early in life in separate accidents. Since its inception, National Siblings Day has been acknowledged by three US Presidents and has been observed in several other countries, too.
National Siblings Day is important to me because it gives me a chance to celebrate the special bond I share with my twin brother Nik. It also presents an opportunity to provide much-needed support to a group of people who are frequently overlooked: siblings who have brothers and sisters with chronic illnesses and disabilities. However, National Siblings Day has not received the attention it deserves and more awareness is needed to recognize the importance of this day.
My twin brother Nik is my biggest inspiration. Nik is 21 years old and has a rare, genetic condition called Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) II, also known as Hunter syndrome. Because of his condition, Nik is nonverbal and struggles with chronic pain. He needs continual care and supervision, which comes mostly from our family. He also needs frequent assistance from health care professionals.
I try to help my brother whenever I can. At home, I help my brother with his personal care. I assist with bathing and toileting. I also help prepare my brother’s meals and check that he takes his medications. In addition, I also accompany my brother to many of his medical appointments. By attending these appointments, I have been able to learn more about my brother’s condition and have found information that has helped me provide better care for my brother at home.
While providing care for my brother is challenging, the majority of our time together is positive and fulfilling. We love to hang out together. We enjoy going out to restaurants and going for walks in our neighborhood. Despite the numerous symptoms that come with his condition, my brother smiles and laughs every day. He shows me the importance of being positive. He shows me what it means to enjoy every moment. While these are lessons that I am only beginning to learn, I am glad to have my brother as my teacher and my inspiration.
On National Siblings Day, I am celebrating my twin brother Nik. My relationship with Nik has transformed my life. Because of Nik, I have learned how to be patient and kind. I have learned how to be a friend, a caregiver, a supporter, a protector, and a brother. Along with teaching me valuable life lessons, my brother has also inspired many of my passions and interests. I am now a junior in college, where I am pursuing a major in biology and a minor in anthropology. In the future, I hope to work in the field of medicine where I can further help my brother and others like him. My brother has impacted my life in countless ways and I am so thankful for the experiences that we share together.
By Nathan Grant
On April 10, brothers and sisters around the country celebrate National Siblings Day to honor the special bond that exists between siblings. On this day, siblings spend time with each other and reflect on memories shared together. Many siblings also post stories, pictures, and videos on social media using the hashtag #NationalSiblingsDay.
National Siblings Day was created by native New Yorker, Claudia Evart, in 1995. According to the Siblings Day Foundation, Evart created National Siblings Day in honor of her siblings, Alan and Lisette, who passed away early in life in separate accidents. Since its inception, National Siblings Day has been acknowledged by three US Presidents and has been observed in several other countries, too.
National Siblings Day is important to me because it gives me a chance to celebrate the special bond I share with my twin brother Nik. It also presents an opportunity to provide much-needed support to a group of people who are frequently overlooked: siblings who have brothers and sisters with chronic illnesses and disabilities. However, National Siblings Day has not received the attention it deserves and more awareness is needed to recognize the importance of this day.
My twin brother Nik is my biggest inspiration. Nik is 21 years old and has a rare, genetic condition called Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) II, also known as Hunter syndrome. Because of his condition, Nik is nonverbal and struggles with chronic pain. He needs continual care and supervision, which comes mostly from our family. He also needs frequent assistance from health care professionals.
I try to help my brother whenever I can. At home, I help my brother with his personal care. I assist with bathing and toileting. I also help prepare my brother’s meals and check that he takes his medications. In addition, I also accompany my brother to many of his medical appointments. By attending these appointments, I have been able to learn more about my brother’s condition and have found information that has helped me provide better care for my brother at home.
While providing care for my brother is challenging, the majority of our time together is positive and fulfilling. We love to hang out together. We enjoy going out to restaurants and going for walks in our neighborhood. Despite the numerous symptoms that come with his condition, my brother smiles and laughs every day. He shows me the importance of being positive. He shows me what it means to enjoy every moment. While these are lessons that I am only beginning to learn, I am glad to have my brother as my teacher and my inspiration.
On National Siblings Day, I am celebrating my twin brother Nik. My relationship with Nik has transformed my life. Because of Nik, I have learned how to be patient and kind. I have learned how to be a friend, a caregiver, a supporter, a protector, and a brother. Along with teaching me valuable life lessons, my brother has also inspired many of my passions and interests. I am now a junior in college, where I am pursuing a major in biology and a minor in anthropology. In the future, I hope to work in the field of medicine where I can further help my brother and others like him. My brother has impacted my life in countless ways and I am so thankful for the experiences that we share together.
Given the impact that siblings have on each other’s lives, it is important to recognize and celebrate siblings. Siblings often have the longest relationships of their lives together and can significantly influence one another. However, National Siblings Day is not a federally recognized day and many people do not know about it. Whereas Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are federal observances that have received recognition through presidential proclamations, National Siblings Day has not received this formal status. I believe National Siblings Day must receive more recognition and support from families across the country and from the government. Recognizing National Siblings Day gives siblings like me an opportunity to officially honor the unique and life-changing bonds we share with our brothers and sisters.
In addition to increasing the overall awareness of National Siblings Day, we must also do more on this day to specifically recognize the unique experiences and needs of siblings who have brothers and sisters with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
According to a recent study published by researchers Sarah Hall and Zach Rossetti, siblings take on very important roles for their brothers and sisters who have illnesses and disabilities. These roles include that of friend, caregiver, advocate, and service coordinator. As Hall and Rossetti explain, “For people with more significant support needs, siblings may undertake additional roles and responsibilities throughout their lives.” The roles that siblings assume are central to the health and well-being of those who are ill. Therefore, another reason why National Siblings Day is so important is because it helps celebrate all of the roles that siblings assume, which further encourages siblings to continue to serve these roles in the future.
Recognizing siblings on National Siblings Day is also one step toward providing much-needed support for siblings who have brothers or sisters with chronic illnesses and disabilities. While there are many positive outcomes associated with having a brother or sister with an illness or disability, there are also many challenges. According to an article written by Catherine Lane, a clinical psychologist, and Joanne Mason, a community children’s nurse, siblings may feel confused, angry, sad, and worried about their brother or sister’s health condition. Siblings may also feel different from their peers who have healthy siblings, which can cause siblings to feel isolated and alone. Siblings, especially those who are older, may also have a very difficult time adjusting to all of their caregiving responsibilities.
Due to these challenges, siblings of people with chronic illnesses and disabilities need support that is specific to their unique experiences. According to a study conducted by researchers Catherine Arnold, Tamar Heller, and John Kramer, siblings need information about their brother or sister’s health condition. A previous article in The New York Times further reviews this need for information and highlights that information must be appropriate to the sibling’s level of understanding. Siblings also need opportunities to connect with other siblings who have similar experiences. Connecting with other siblings has helped me recognize that I am not alone and that there are other siblings who understand my situation.
However, despite their need for support, siblings of people with illnesses and disabilities are frequently overlooked and very little support exists specifically for siblings. According to Arnold, Heller, and Kramer, “Although support programs and services have been developed for individuals with developmental disabilities and their parents, supports for siblings have been limited." This lack of support negatively affects siblings, which can lead to even worse outcomes for those whom siblings are caring for. Without recognition and support for my role a sibling, I am less able to provide quality care for my brother Nik. As a country, we must do more to recognize and support siblings.
National Siblings Day presents on opportunity to provide much-needed support to siblings who have brothers and sisters with illnesses and disabilities. By honoring and celebrating the sibling bond on National Siblings Day, we can better recognize the unique experiences of siblings and provide support to these unsung heroes. Supporting siblings on National Siblings Day may also lead to long-term support that extends beyond this day, which may benefit the entire family.
National Siblings Day gives me a chance to celebrate the life-changing bond I share with my twin brother Nik. It also gives me an opportunity to recognize and support other siblings like me. National Siblings Day comes with numerous benefits for siblings and families but in order to take full advantage of this day, we must first recognize and affirm its overall importance. Perhaps sometime soon, National Siblings Day will become a federally recognized observance like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
This story has been published in partnership with the organization, Don't Hide It, Flaunt It.
To read more stories shared in honor of National Siblings Day 2019, please check out our story page here.
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. 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.
In addition to increasing the overall awareness of National Siblings Day, we must also do more on this day to specifically recognize the unique experiences and needs of siblings who have brothers and sisters with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
According to a recent study published by researchers Sarah Hall and Zach Rossetti, siblings take on very important roles for their brothers and sisters who have illnesses and disabilities. These roles include that of friend, caregiver, advocate, and service coordinator. As Hall and Rossetti explain, “For people with more significant support needs, siblings may undertake additional roles and responsibilities throughout their lives.” The roles that siblings assume are central to the health and well-being of those who are ill. Therefore, another reason why National Siblings Day is so important is because it helps celebrate all of the roles that siblings assume, which further encourages siblings to continue to serve these roles in the future.
Recognizing siblings on National Siblings Day is also one step toward providing much-needed support for siblings who have brothers or sisters with chronic illnesses and disabilities. While there are many positive outcomes associated with having a brother or sister with an illness or disability, there are also many challenges. According to an article written by Catherine Lane, a clinical psychologist, and Joanne Mason, a community children’s nurse, siblings may feel confused, angry, sad, and worried about their brother or sister’s health condition. Siblings may also feel different from their peers who have healthy siblings, which can cause siblings to feel isolated and alone. Siblings, especially those who are older, may also have a very difficult time adjusting to all of their caregiving responsibilities.
Due to these challenges, siblings of people with chronic illnesses and disabilities need support that is specific to their unique experiences. According to a study conducted by researchers Catherine Arnold, Tamar Heller, and John Kramer, siblings need information about their brother or sister’s health condition. A previous article in The New York Times further reviews this need for information and highlights that information must be appropriate to the sibling’s level of understanding. Siblings also need opportunities to connect with other siblings who have similar experiences. Connecting with other siblings has helped me recognize that I am not alone and that there are other siblings who understand my situation.
However, despite their need for support, siblings of people with illnesses and disabilities are frequently overlooked and very little support exists specifically for siblings. According to Arnold, Heller, and Kramer, “Although support programs and services have been developed for individuals with developmental disabilities and their parents, supports for siblings have been limited." This lack of support negatively affects siblings, which can lead to even worse outcomes for those whom siblings are caring for. Without recognition and support for my role a sibling, I am less able to provide quality care for my brother Nik. As a country, we must do more to recognize and support siblings.
National Siblings Day presents on opportunity to provide much-needed support to siblings who have brothers and sisters with illnesses and disabilities. By honoring and celebrating the sibling bond on National Siblings Day, we can better recognize the unique experiences of siblings and provide support to these unsung heroes. Supporting siblings on National Siblings Day may also lead to long-term support that extends beyond this day, which may benefit the entire family.
National Siblings Day gives me a chance to celebrate the life-changing bond I share with my twin brother Nik. It also gives me an opportunity to recognize and support other siblings like me. National Siblings Day comes with numerous benefits for siblings and families but in order to take full advantage of this day, we must first recognize and affirm its overall importance. Perhaps sometime soon, National Siblings Day will become a federally recognized observance like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
This story has been published in partnership with the organization, Don't Hide It, Flaunt It.
To read more stories shared in honor of National Siblings Day 2019, please check out our story page here.
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. 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.
