osTEAo: The Sibling Situation

In this episode of osTEAo, Mia is joined by Dr. Christopher Kuo, Matt, and Valerie to discuss the often forgotten and overlooked children in an AYA cancer diagnosis - the siblings. Dr. Kuo is a physician-scientist, and pediatric oncologist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles/USC Keck School of Medicine and he has lost two brothers, one to osteosarcoma (Stanley), during his AYA years. He recently published an article that highlights the impact of a cancer diagnosis on siblings "The unfulfilled promise from a forgotten child" which gives voice to the impact of a cancer diagnosis on siblings. Dr. Kuo, Matt, and Valerie discuss how their siblings' osteosarcoma diagnosis and ultimate passing have impacted and shaped their lives and how they manage their grief and loss and strive to maintain a sense of self. Our guests share how music, journaling, and breakdancing have helped them process their trauma and offer advice on how to best support siblings of an AYA cancer patient.Inspired by Banksy's quote - "[T]hey say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time," we continue to honor our OsteoAngels and dedicate this episode to Cecilia Nguyen, Mason Allen, Stanley Kuo, Sammy Kuo, and all the siblings and loved ones we have lost to osteosarcoma.Read Dr. Christopher Kuo's article: "The unfulfilled promise from a forgotten child"AYA Cancer Dedicated Siblings CampsArizona: Alex's Lemonade Stand Arizona Camp SidekicksCalifornia: Oncology and Kids Sibling Camp Reach for the SkyCalifornia: Camp Okizu California: Camp Ronald McDonald For Good TimesIdaho: Camp Rainbow GoldIowa: Children’s Cancer Connection - Camp Heart ConnectionKentucky: Kids Cancer Alliance (Sibling Camp)Maryland: Camp Sunrise—Sun Sibs ProgramMaryland: Special Love Inc. (BRASS Camp)Montana: Camp Mak-A-Dream Siblings CampNew Mexico: Camp Enchantment; Super Stars Sibling RetreatNorth Caroline: Camp CarefreePennsylvania: Camp Can DoTexas: Camp BravoList of summer camps for AYA cancer patients and their families