Sibshops are workshops for siblings of children with special needs. Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal celebrations filled with unique games, cooking activities and recreation mixed with information and discussion. Children ages 5 - 12 yrs can enjoy a lively, relaxed event that emphasizes a kid's-eye view of sibling issues. Sibshops are guided by adult facilitators in small, age-appropriate groups.
What do kids say about Sibshops?
"Sibshops are cool. We have lots of fun." --Age 8
"You get to ask questions about stuff and get answers. No one gets mad or laughs at you for asking."--Age 10
"I got to meet other kids like me. It was great."--Age ?
What do parents say about Sibshops?
"For once, I don't feel guilty about my kids feeling left out."
"I like that he's making friends with others who understand what it's like having a family member with autism."
"Sibshops gives my daughter experience explaining about her brother-she gets help finding words from other kids to help people understand. That's something I'm not always able to do."
Click here to download Sibling Activity Booklet
2010 Sibshop Sessions
Saturday March 20th, 2010
Saturday July 31st, 2010
Saturday November 13th, 2010
Please call (715) 221-7419 or (715) 221-8824 to register.
For more program information call:
Hayley Patoka, BS, CCLS, CTRS
Certified Child Life Specialist, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital/Marshfield Clinic Children's
(715)221-7419
Kari Bluhm, MS, CCLS
Certified Child Life Specialist
Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital/Marshfield Clinic Children's
(715)221-8824
Sibshops are sponsored by Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital, Child Life Services
Kids Wish Network
Hero of the Month sponsored by Kids Wish Network
Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. Kids Wish Network assists children and their families through programs like the Hero of the Month Club.
The Hero of the Month program was designed to help little heroes who have had to face some of life's unfortunate experiences. These children do not have life threatening illness but rather have had to endure some extremely sad or extraordinary circumstance.
January 2010 Nominee: Dylan
Dylan is a 13-year-old boy from Ironwood, Michigan. In December 2001, Dylan and his family were in a terrible car accident that took the life of his father and left Dylan paralyzed. Despite the accident and injury, Dylan has remained very active. In October of 2009, he was able to participate in a big game hunting trip with a few family members. Several days after returning home from the trip, Dylan’s mom noticed a large pressure ulcer on his lower back. He was first admitted to a local hospital for treatment but later transferred to Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Marshfield, WI. After being admitted on October 26th, 2009 Dylan has undergone several surgeries for debridement of the wound and the placement of a wound vac. Since his admission, he has been confined to bed rest and has been very limited to the position in which he can lay. After the lengthy hospitalization, Dylan was required to use a specialty bed at home until the wound completely healed. Throughout his hospitalization, he and his family have been very independent. Dylan enjoyed playing video games and quickly figured out how to master any game he was given. Even after being out of school for almost two months, Dylan did a great job keeping up with his studies (with a little encouragement) and is almost completely caught up once again. Despite everything, Dylan has truly been a pleasure to work with throughout his lengthy hospitalization. It is without doubt we would like to nominate Dylan for January 2010 Hero of the Month!
December 2009 Nominee: Matthew
Matthew was a passenger in a motor vehicle accident on October 12th, 2009. Matthew was sitting in the back seat when the vehicle he was in hit a building. He was propelled forward into the windshield. Matthew lost consciousness and had to be immediately intubated at the scene. He was then transported to Saint Joseph's Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) where he underwent MRI,CT, multiple IV placements, and an ICP bolt to relieve the pressure in his brain. Diagnostic tests showed that Matthew suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), numerous fractures, extensive hemorrhages and multiple hematomas. Matthew also suffered from acute respiratory failure and was placed on a ventilator to help him breathe. After several weeks in the PICU, Matthew’s breathing tube was removed and he moved to the Pediatric floor for further therapy. Here he underwent numerous sessions with physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. On November 5th, 2009, Matthew underwent yet another surgery to repair his nose and other facial structures with bone grafting. After surgery Matthew was taken back to the PICU for recovery. After a few days Matthew was transferred to the Pediatric floor once again and eventually discharged on November 14th, 2009. Matthew had to endure a lot during his lengthy admission, but he always had a free spirited, joking personality to carry him through. Matthew was always the first to laugh and joke his way through the hardships the hospital can bring. He is a great kid with a supportive family that stayed strong through this life changing event. It is without hesitation that we nominate Matthew for December 2009 Hero of the Month!
November 2009 Nominee: Cole
Cole is an 18-year-old young man from Chippewa Falls, WI. He underwent a corrective osteotomy in September and was in the hospital for six days following surgery. Cole had a large cast placed over both legs until he healed from surgery. Unfortunately, a severe skin ulcer developed underneath this cast and Cole had to be hospitalized once again, only nine days after his original discharged date. Cole was quite uncomfortable when he arrived at the hospital as he was vomiting and in much pain. Once readmitted, he underwent a few procedures including sedation for a cleaning of his ulcer and a PICC line placement so Cole could receive an adequate amount of nutrition. He also had a wound vacuum placed over his ulcer to help it heal faster. Cole must undergo dressing changes for the wound vacuum three times weekly. Due to his ulcer and needing to rest his legs following the initial surgery, Cole had to spend a lot of time in a special air bed that helped with circulation throughout his stay. Fortunately, Cole has recently been approved to be up in his chair three times a day and out of his room as well. Through it all Cole has stayed in good spirits, no matter what he had to endure thus far. His family has always made sure that his favorite items are available including his favorite DVD’s and toys. Cole has had the pleasure of participating in Music Therapy during this stay and recently began to attend group activity sessions as well. He has been an inpatient for over thirty days now and continues to get stronger, but a discharge day is still down the road. We would like to nominate Cole for November 2009 Hero of the Month.
October 2009 Nominee: Alexandria (Alex)
Alexandria is a 16 year old girl who was involved in a motor vehicle crash on September 12th, 2009. Alexandria, or "Alex", was the passenger in the car when the vehicle suddenly collided with another vehicle, resulting in a rollover. Alex lost consciousness during the accident was initially transported to Stanley Hospital, where she underwent a chest tube, catheter and IV placement. After being stabilized, Alex was then transferred to Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital for further work up. While admitted to SJCH, she underwent numerous CT scans, x-rays and MRIs. The diagnostic tests revealed Alex had a closed head injury, concussion, left rib fractures, and transverse, compression and chance fractures to her spin. Because of the extent of Alex’s injuries, she eventually underwent a spinal fusion on September 14th, 2009. Since the surgery, Alex has undergone a long and painful recovery process. She has had a difficult time finding a position that allows her back som comfort and relief. Not only has the recovery been painful, it has also caused her much emotional distress knowing that the pain has yet to subside. Alex has used music, deep breathing techniques and hot packs to help her cope with the intense pain. For Alex, her biggest wish is for the pain to subside so that she can return home to be with her family and friends once again. Without reserve, we would like to nominate Alex for the October 2009 Hero of the Month!
September 2009 Nominee: Kelly
Kelly is a 17-year-old young woman from Custer, Wisconsin. On June 21st, 2009 Kelly and a friend were out for a ride on her ATV near her home. She went up a steep hill that caused her ATV to flip over. The ATV fell directly on top of Kelly and then continued rolling down hill. Kelly was able to muster up enough strength to flip the ATV right side up and drive it home to get help for her injured friend. Kelly was taken to Saint Michael's Hospital in Stevens Point where she was evaluated and underwent x-rays. The imaging relieved that Kelly suffered a T12-L1 compression fracture from the accident. From Stevens Point, she was transferred to the Saint Joseph's Emergency Department as a Level II trauma. After undergoing CT scans, Kelly was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for further treatment. On June 22nd, 2009 Kelly underwent a spinal operation to remove a portion of the vertebral bone and fuse together other vertebral bones using a bone graft. After the intense surgery, Kelly's pain level was almost unbearable. She worked extremely hard with music therapy and Child Life to learn new breathing and relaxation techniques to manage her paint. It took some convincing, but with time, Kelly found the new techniques were helpful in controlling her pain. After many days of grueling therapies, Kelly was finally able to be transferred out of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) to the Pediatric Unit. Throughout the intense days of therapy, Kelly showed her creative and adventurous side. Her love for photography (especially photographing the cows on her parent's farm), Fox racing, her truck and of course, all terrain vehicles helped her get through her hospitalization. On June 27th, 2009 Kelly was finally able to go home, back to the people and things she loves the most. It is without hesitation that we nominate Kelly for September 2009 Hero of the Month.
August 2009 Nominee: Amanda
Amanda is a 6-year-old girl from Marshfield, WI. On March 24th, 2009 Amanda was rushed to the emergency room following a seizure at home. She was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) where she underwent a number of medical procedures including, multiple IV starts, MRIs, CTs, EEGs, biopsies, surgeries and the placement of a feeding tube. As she slowly recovered, Amanda was diagnosed with encephalopathy. On April 4th, 2009 Amanda was transferred from the PICU to the Pediatric Unit. During her stay and recovery, Amanda definitely made the most of her time. She stayed very busy with Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy sessions to help her relearn many skills she lost because of her illness. Amanda always made time for fun though, as she enjoyed spending time in group, playing in the playroom or visiting her favorite nurses at the Nurse’s station. She always made friends quickly and had an amazing memory when it came to people’s names and faces. Amanda has a great smile and enjoyed greeting everyone on the unit. Amanda also enjoyed playing her favorite game, “Guess the Word” where you would offer up clues and she would guess the word you were thinking. Amanda also loved music therapy and would often be heard singing to a favorite song, “Winnie the Pooh”. Finally, on June 16th, 2009 Amanda was discharged from the Pediatric Unit and returned home. When Amanda comes back for clinic visits or therapies, she makes it a point to come and say hi to her friends on the Pediatric unit. She is truly a hero and inspiration in our eyes!
July 2009 Nominee: Amanda
Amanda is a bright 18-year-old diagnosed with polyposis syndrome. This is a syndrome where multiple polyps appear in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Amanda has undergone multiple surgeries, including one that included having a temporary pouch placed. She had a lengthy hospitalization where she battled many things including pain, hunger, and self-image issues. Amanda also had to have many blood draws and a PICC line placed to help her receive the nutrition and medicine she needed. She eventually went home after the first surgery, but had to be readmitted because of complications with her pouch. Amanda eventually had yet another surgery to remove her pouch. During this recovery time, it was hard for her to keep her spirits up, especially when the medical issues were only part of the battle. Amanda is also a young mother whose daughter was only 6 months old during her first surgery. During her stays at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Amanda had to overcome many great obstacles as she relied on her strong personality and drive to get her through. She also had a good support system including her mom and grandma, who were by her side as great advocates throughout her cares. Amanda is now at home and doing much better, enjoying her time with her daughter and the rest of her family. We believe Amanda most deserves of July 2009 Hero of the Month!
June 2009 Nominee: Dylan
Dylan is a 13-year-old boy who was brought to the Emergency Room at Saint Joseph’s Hospital with a gun shot wound. After admission, he was quickly transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for the accidental gunshot wound to the chest. Dylan underwent many tests/procedures upon arrival to the hospital to help assess the damage caused by the gunshot. The gunshot had caused a pooling of blood in his lungs, so tubes were placed to help reduce the fluid in his chest. Dylan also had lung bruising and trauma to his spine and intestines. It was a long road to recovery for Dylan and his family as the PICU nurses and doctors provided much needed care and support throughout his entire stay. Dylan kept a very positive attitude throughout his hospitalization and thrived on the support from his family, friends, and teachers. He enjoyed playing video games, watching movies, and socializing with other patients to cope with each day in the hospital. After many difficult days, Dylan was finally discharged and is now at home recovering. Dylan and his family had to overcome both physical and emotional struggles throughout their hospitalization. With hesitation, we would like to nominate Dylan for our June 2009 Hero of the Month!
May 2009 Nominee: Tatyana
Tatyana is an 11-year-old girl who lives with her family in Iron Mountain, MI. She was admitted to Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital on February 20, 2009 for severe abdominal pain. Since the cause of the pain was unknown, Tatyana underwent a number of tests and procedures including an endoscope, CT scan and EKG. Without any definitive results, the doctors decided try a fructose test. This required Tatyana to eat sugar cubes and then undergo multiple lab draws to see how her body processed fructose. After only a few minutes the results were clear, Tatyana was fructose intolerant. Fructose intolerance can be controlled by a strict diet, however, Tatyana was required to stay in the hospital until March 11 to help manage her pain and get her new diet under control. Since this is a rare condition, Tatyana and her family planned to go to a hospital in Cincinnati for further follow up and support. The family is also planning a trip to Boston for further help and treatment. While Tatyana was at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, she enjoyed doing many different crafts and spending time in the teen lounge with her parents. Overall, Tatyana had a difficult and long stay, but she took everything in stride and is a real hero in our eyes. We wish to nominate Tatyana for May 2009 Hero of the Month!
April 2009 Nominee: Ashley
Ashley is a six-year-old girl that came initially to Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital to have surgery performed on both her legs. She was placed in a special cast called a hip spica cast that wrapped around both her legs, hips, and came up past her belly button. After surgery, Ashley had spent time in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she could be watched more closely and where her pain could be better controlled. Eventually, Ashley transferred to the general pediatric unit where something unexpected happened. She had developed a seizure that lasted for more than an hour and was taken back to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Her casts were split to allow for swelling, but eventually had to be completely removed. Ashley underwent more tests including an MRI scan and a blood transfusion. At one point, Ashley was put on a ventilator as a direct result of her severe seizures post surgery. Ashley and her family had many rollercoaster rides while staying in the hospital and some days were definitely harder than others. After some time, Ashley was eventually moved back to the general pediatric unit as a patient in the rehabilitation program. Ashley was involved in, and introduced to many intense activities, therapies, and people throughout her days at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies were all part of a typical day for Ashley. Child Life was also a special part offering arts and crafts, group and bedside activities. Ashley especially enjoyed visits from her little brother and grandparents. She was even able to participate in a music group once a week and showed off her musical talent by strumming on the Q-Chord with the two Board Certified Music Therapists. Ashley spent over 45 days in the hospital and is now back home and doing better. She still continues to work hard and becomes stronger each day. We are pleased to nominate Ashley for April 2009 Hero of the Month.
March 2009 Nominee: Trevor
Trevor is a 13-year-old boy from Orangeville, Illinois. On January 17, 2009 Trevor was out snowmobiling with his dad and brother when he missed a turn, hit a group of trees, and was ejected from his snowmobile. The force of the impact cracked his helmet. He was taken to the Emergency Room at Howard Young Medical Center where he was intubated and underwent a CT that revealed the extent of his injuries. Trevor had sustained a contusion on the front of his head and his lung, damage to his spleen, and had two spinal fractures. From there he was transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. He received sedation and underwent a number of procedures and surgeries, including the placement of an ICP bolt. It was expected that Trevor would recovering at SJCH for a few months. Amazingly, he started his recovery process and by January 25th, the ICP Bolt and breathing tube had been removed. Trevor was transferred from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to the regular Pediatric Unit. While there, Trevor worked hard during his many different therapies. He put in a lot of hard work and never complained. We could all see him progress every day and in no time, Trevor was walking so fast it was hard to keep up with him! Then on February 5th2009, he was finally discharged. When Trevor left, he knew he still had a long road to recovery ahead, but he was very excited to return home. Throughout his stay, Trevor always kept a great sense of humor. He enjoyed keeping busy and attending group activities regularly. Trevor really made the most of his hospital stay, and deserves to be named March 2009 Hero of the Month.
January 2009 Nominee: Amy
Amy is a sweet and very compassionate 7-year-old girl from Chippewa Falls. Back in June, Amy was playing outside with her brothers when she fell from a wagon and broke her left arm. Amy and her mother presented to the Emergency Room and where Amy had what would be her first of many x-rays. Amy was then taken into surgery where screws were placed in her arm to better stabilize it and she was discharged from the 
hospital the following day. Amy had many follow-up appointments and x-rays during the next few months and in August, Amy was still having some discomfort and drainage from the wound. She went back to the clinic and was told that the screws in her arm seemed have to come out of the bone completely and there was also concern for a possible infection. As a result, Amy went back into surgery a few days later for a plate removal and placement of an external fixator. Amy remained in the hospital for five days and during that time, she also had a PICC line placed and again underwent surgery for insertion of antibiotic beads to cure the infection in her arm. Amy was discharged from the hospital the following day and went home with the PICC line still in place for antibiotics. After about two weeks, Amy returned for yet another surgery at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital to have the antibiotic beads removed and for an iliac crest bone graft. Amy was again discharged home and returned two weeks later to have her PICC line removed. During the month of October, Amy was seen for follow-up appointments and more x-rays which showed her arm to be healing nicely. Amy returned in the middle of November to have a CT scan and x-ray of her arm which led to the removal of the external fixator and replacing it with a protective brace. Amy routinely visits the clinic for follow-up visits and x-rays to ensure her arm is healing properly. Throughout the months of numerous clinic visits, x-rays, surgeries and hospitalizations, Amy has had a positive attitude and appears to have a great outlook on life. She is a joy to be around and although she was in pain quite often, she was not one to show it. Amy displayed a lot of strength and courage going through more than a 7-year-old girl should ever have to go through. We are very proud to nominate Amy for January 2009 Hero of the Month!
Kids Wish Network: Holiday of Hope Gift Bank
Holiday of Hope Gift Bank is an uplifting, gift-giving program that brings cheer to children admitted to the hospital for treatment. Over $100,000 retail value worth of toys, donated by America's top manufactures, will be distributed to hospitalized children throughout the year. This event was made possible due in part to the generosity of Children's Miracle Network.
NACHRI BIANNUAL TOY DONATION
Mattel and NACHRI joined forces to donate over 700 toys and games to Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital/Marshfield Clinic Children's in December. The gifts were accepted by Child Life Services and distributed to patients age 0 - 18 yrs throughout the hospital and clinic.
A few patients (left) proudly display some of the new treasures.
NACHRI & SWISS COLONY GINGERBREAD HOUSE DONATION
NACHRI & Swiss Colony donated 30 gingerbread houses to the children at Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital. The partially assembled gingerbread houses provided a great activity for patients and siblings alike.
Melinda & Christina (right) eagerly decorate their houses in preparation for the holiday season.
The Sunshine Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer. Established in 1982, they are committed to providing positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients. The Sunshine Kids provides a variety of programs and events, free of charge, for kids who are receiving cancer treatments in hospitals across North America.
SUNSHINE KIDS TRIP:
FALL 2006 ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Sunshine Kids participants enjoy a sunny day at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
From Left (Two Sunshine friends, Austin, Britta, Travis, Lisa Roy (chaperone), Kris)
We are looking forward to our next BIG trip with the Sunshine Kids organization!!