Senior Voice -

The sibling relationship is considered the longest-lasting of the human experience, providing the greatest opportunity for reciprocal support and care.

Today in the United States, there are millions of people who assume a larger role as caregivers in the lives of their brother or sister with disabilities more so than in previous generations.

When given the opportunity to meet other siblings of individuals with disabilities, they often note their sense of comfort and relief to know they are not alone.

There is a new group called the Tanana Valley SIBS (TV SIBS), and its goal is to connect siblings who have a brother or sister with disabilities with others in and around the Tanana Valley.

TV SIBS will create a welcoming community, increase information opportunities, offer peer support, and aid in making connections with services and supports from those who have “been there”.

Most importantly, TV SIBS hopes to enable the sibling to have a stronger and more fulfilling bond with their brother or a sister who has a disability.

If you are an adult sibling who has a brother or sister with a disability, or know someone who is, please join the next TV SIBS gathering on Wednesday, July 24, at 6 to 8 p.m. in the Fairbanks Resource Agency Dining Room.

The support group is sponsored by the Fairbanks Resource Agency and Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.

For more information, contact Meghan Heim or Kathy Marley at 456-8901.