Siblings: Helping Them Cope
with Childhood Cancer
Article by Meredith Barnhart
(BPT) - When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is affected by the experience, especially the child's siblings. Young children experience their brother or sister's cancer while they are still learning to make sense of the world. Often this leaves them feeling scared, angry, anxious or sad.
According to Meredith Barnhart, a licensed clinical social worker at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), a global leader in the fight against cancer, "Childhood cancer has a direct impact on siblings and it's inevitable that a cancer diagnosis will drastically change a family's routine. Siblings need extra support when adjusting to their new normal."
Shameeza Singh, of New York City, knows all too well the impact childhood cancer has on siblings. In June 2016, her oldest son, King, was diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 2 years old. He underwent nearly four years of intense daily treatment, which she describes as "extremely debilitating." As a result of his treatment, King, now 6, developed life-altering side effects including brain swelling and neuropathy and his family has been affected in many ways.
King's siblings, Mesiah and Faith, have experienced the impact of cancer firsthand from a very young age. At the time of his diagnosis, Mesiah was only 1 year old; the family welcomed his sister Faith two years into his treatment. Because of King's cancer, the Singh family has had to make many adjustments to accommodate his health. "King's immune system is compromised so formal school settings and daycare were never an option for any of my children," says Singh. "They're homeschooled together, so running to emergency hospital visits is something they experience together."
In October 2019, King completed chemotherapy, but continues to battle the chronic side effects of his treatment. Mesiah and Faith still attend regular doctor appointments with him and and although there's still a long road ahead, the Singh family lives in faith that King's cancer won't return.
"King is a hero to all of us and I'm so amazed by how much he continues to inspire his brother and sister," says Singh. "It's also heartwarming to see my children support their big brother the best way they