Supporting Siblings of Terminally Ill Children

My brother, Mark, and I have always been close right from when he was small, so when he was diagnosed with cancer it was a terrible shock. I was in the middle of exams at the time so my parents didn’t want to tell me until they’d finished although I think I did know it was something serious but just couldn’t accept it. With everything that had been happening my exam results were much worse than expected but I didn’t know how to explain to my teachers how difficult things had been at home.

We then met Vilja, a Family Support Worker from the Rainbow Trust, who came once a week to support the whole family. Sometimes she would take my sister and me out or Mark with my mum or dad. I’d become very depressed and anxious with OCD symptoms, always washing my hands, but was able to see a therapist which helped a great deal. Vilja would talk to me about all the things that were going on in my life, about school and my plans for the future. She’d also explain about Mark’s treatment and appointments as my mum found it difficult to talk about.

Vilja brought our family together, talking to us all and mending bridges that had broken with the stress. She has given me so much moral support as well as helping my parents and brother with hospital visits. She has helped them feel more relaxed which means I can feel more relaxed too.

It’s really good to have an adult who understands, who doesn’t judge you or the situation. Vilja supports me in so many ways, though there never seems to be enough time for all the things I want to talk about. I know there are so many families that need Rainbow Trust’s support so her time is limited but she has helped our family so much. And Mark is doing really well now, too!