5:30am | Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach was the only California hospital announced as a LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project award recipient in the SuperSibs! category. The SuperSibs! Program will provide ongoing, targeted support to an underserved and often unrecognized cancer survivor population: siblings of children with cancer.
“SuperSibs! ensures that these siblings, the “shadow survivors,” do not feel alone, insignificant or forgotten, and can face the future with strength, courage and hope,” says social worker Tammie Mitchell. “When families are faced with challenging decisions, and are preparing for a battle against a life-threatening disease, everyday things are easily overlooked. That’s why this program is important, so that no child goes without the attention they deserve.”
Miller Children’s was one of 179 qualified hospitals, cancer centers and community organizations in eight regions across the United States, selected to participate in an online voting campaign. During a two-week period, more than 260,000 votes were cast earning Miller Children’s the award to fully establish the SuperSibs! Program. Miller Children’s is now the only hospital in California to have the full SuperSibs! Program available to patients and their family members.
“We are thrilled and honored to be named as a Community Impact Project award recipient,” says Mitchell. “This award will go a long way and will allow us to continue to bring family centered care to our cancer patients and their families. We want to give special thanks to everyone who voted in support of this program. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of siblings of patients with cancer and serious blood disorders and their families.”