When someone is stricken with cancer, it can tear a family apart. Although the person afflicted with the disease is the one suffering, the person’s family and loved ones are just as affected. But while this is devastating when it happens to anyone, it is so much worse when it happens to a child. Children with cancer lose the most important part of life – growing up. And if they have siblings, those brothers and sisters lose much of their parent’s attention due to what they are going through. During this difficult time, those siblings feel lost and alone, and are in desperate need for attention, affection and understanding.

That’s where SIBS Place comes to the rescue.

A completely free program sponsored by South Nassau Communities Hospital, SIBS Place offers to brothers and sisters of children with cancer exactly what they require at this crucial time – much needed attention. Through activities, interaction with other children who are going through what they are, and counseling by trained professionals, SIBS Place really helps these children deal with something that no child should have to live through – fighting cancer.

I have to tell you that I find SIBS Place to be one of the most unique places I have ever seen. Never before have I heard of a place that is devoted to the needs of the siblings of children with cancer. And after visiting SIBS Place on December 22 for their holiday party, I was instantly touched by the work that they do.

At the party, the children of SIBS Place performed a holiday play. During the show, I saw the camaraderie and friendship that all the kids had for each other, and I thought to myself, how wonderful that these children have each other during such a difficult time. Just from that one visit, I saw what an asset SIBS Place is for these kids, and for their parents as well.

I am also amazed at how much SIBS Place offers to these children at absolutely no cost. From food, to activities, to friends and encouragement, SIBS Place provides these children priceless care for free. But unfortunately, there is a cost to SIBS Place for what they give these kids, so if you would like to make a donation to SIBS Place, or if you have a child that you feel could benefit from this amazing organization, please contact them at (516) 374-3000, or visit their Web site, www.sibsplace.org.

As I said before, I was extremely impressed with SIBS Place, and I plan to follow their amazing work throughout my tenure here at the Herald, and I encourage you to do the same.