Supporting the Siblings of Kids with Cancer

Let’s Talk About the Forgotten Fighters

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, everyone rushes to their side—as they should. But quietly, in the background, there’s another story unfolding: the sibling.

The one whose life gets flipped upside down.

The one who waits in hospital lobbies.

The one who skips birthday parties and soccer games.

The one who smiles even though they’re scared too.

Why Siblings Need Support Too

Siblings of children with cancer often experience:

• Anxiety and confusion about what’s happening
  
• Guilt for being healthy
  
• Jealousy or resentment over all the attention given to the sick sibling
  
• Loneliness when parents are constantly at the hospital
  
• Fear of what could happen—even if no one says it out loud
  

It’s a lot. And most of the time, no one talks about it.

Real Life in St. Charles, IL: Cal’s Angels

Right here in our community, Cal’s Angels is making sure those siblings don’t get overlooked.

They collect toy donations specifically for the siblings of kids fighting cancer. Because those kids deserve a little joy too—a reminder that they matter. That their pain, though quieter, is still real.

Want to help? Learn more or donate at calsangels.org

What You Can Do

You don’t need to know a family personally to make an impact:

• Drop off a gift card, book, or toy labeled “for the sibling”
  
• Offer to take the sibling out for a playdate
  
• Send a card just for them
  
• Check in with them, not just the parents
  
• Donate to organizations like Cal’s Angels that create joy for families in crisis
  

Do Siblings Have a Ribbon or Color?

Currently, there isn’t a specific awareness ribbon color dedicated solely to the siblings of childhood cancer warriors.

But maybe there should be.

Until then, the gold ribbon is still the best way to show support for the whole family. Because when one child fights cancer, the whole family is in the ring with them.

Show Up for the Whole Family

It’s easy to focus on the one in the hospital gown. But healing is about the whole family. It’s about the exhausted mom, the scared dad, the confused sibling quietly coloring in the corner.

Next time you show support, think broader. Think gold. Think beyond the diagnosis.

[Shop the Childhood Cancer Awareness Ribbon Pins] 

Not all superheroes wear capes. Some wear hand-me-downs, carry backpacks, and sit patiently in waiting rooms.

Let’s not forget the siblings. Let’s support them, honor them, and give them the love they deserve.

And if you’re one of those siblings reading this: we see you. You’re strong. You matter too.