SIBSPlace Celebrates Resilience and Achievement at Annual Moving Up Ceremony and Prom

SIBSPlace (Survivorship in Brothers and Sisters), a Rockville Centre-based nonprofit, recently hosted its annual Moving Up Ceremony and Prom, recognizing more than 20 graduating participants, with ages ranging from kindergarten to college-bound young adults. The evening hosted 86 family members and included a touching commencement ceremony, followed by a joyful prom celebration. Families, friends and SIBSPlace staff and volunteers gathered to honor the children’s milestones, resilience and the powerful support system that has helped them thrive.

Each of the children in the program have a sibling or parent with cancer or other life-threatening illness or have experienced the death of a sibling or parent/guardian. This annual event provides emotional support and an enjoyable experience for these young individuals facing challenges related to navigating life when coping with a family member’s illness of death.

“For many of these children, life has been centered around a family member’s illness and trying to understand the overwhelming feelings related to the death of a significant family member,” said Joanna Formont, Executive Director of SIBSPlace. “Our goal is to ensure they’re not overlooked – that their emotional and developmental needs are met and that they feel seen, supported and celebrated; this event is a true reflection of that mission.”

SIBSPlace, an affiliate of Mount Sinai South Nassau, provides free prevention-based mental health support to children ages 5-17 whose siblings or parents have a serious illness, such as cancer and children coping with the death of a loved one. Through structured activities, professional counseling and peer connection, SIBSPlace works with children to develop the coping mechanisms and resilience needed during family health crises.

For more additional information about SIBSPlace and its programs, please visit https://sibsplace.org/.