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
2012 Sibshop Sessions
Saturday March 10th, 2012
Saturday July 28th, 2012
Saturday November 10th, 2012
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
Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital/Marshfield Clinic Children's
(715)221-7419
Kari Bluhm, MS, CCLS
Certified Child Life Specialist
Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital/Marshfield Clinic Children's
(715)221-8824
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 2012 Nominee: Paige
Paige was admitted to Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital on November 5th, 2011 after a week long bout with abdominal pain. A CT scan showed an enlarged appendix that caused an infection throughout the abdomen. Paige had to have an NG tube and IV placed prior to surgery. Following the surgery, Paige was admitted for observation, only to have the fevers continue. A follow up CT scan of her abdomen revealed several abscesses. Unfortunately, Paige required surgery once again to clean out the infection. Following her second surgery, Paige had a large incision, a PICC line, and several drains placed to help heal the infection. On November 20th, Paige celebrated her 5th birthday in the hospital and Child Life and other staff members did their best to make it special. While hospitalized, she enjoyed coloring, watching movies and always had the biggest smile to share with everyone. Paige received the best gift ever on November 24th when she was discharged home from the hospital. Paige’s strength, spunk and great personality make her the perfect January 2012 Hero of the Month!
December 2011 Nominee: Reece
Seventeen year old Reece is from Wabeno, WI. He was hospitalized in December 2011 following a horrific ATV crash. Reece sustained many injuries due to his crash which led to some loss of sensation and tingling in his arms and legs. It was also discovered the he had multiple fractures in his neck and a broken left leg, which required casting. Reece had to undergo multiple surgeries and tests/procedures during his hospitalization. He spent time in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital before transferring to the general Pediatric Unit once stable. Reece worked with many therapies to help regain his strength and endurance. He went from not being able to move in bed to moving and walking independently with a walker. With hard work, determination, help of his wonderful family and staff, Reece was able to overcome many obstacles. We would like to nominate Reece for December 2011 Hero of the Month!
November 2011 Nominee: Justin
Justin is a 9 year old boy from Norway, MI. On June 24, 2011 Justin was in a motor vehicle accident and transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, Justin under went many tests including CT scans, X-rays, pokes, drain placements, along with multiple surgeries. He had many injuries, the most severe being a large laceration to his belly. Due to intense damage of his colon, Justin also required a colostomy. Unfortunately, he developed an infection in his belly and needed to have a wound V.A.C. placed to help the open wound heal properly. Once the wound had started to heal, it needed to be packed from the inside out. After healing, Justin's wound was closed with a skin grafting, sutures, and staples. Hospitalized for almost a month, Justin finally got to go home on July 17, 2011. However, Justin’s story does not end there. He made several more visits on an outpatient basis to the Marshfield Clinic to have the staples removed and monitor the healing process. On October 18, 2011, Justin came back to the hospital to have his colostomy reversed. This required even more IVs, tubes, and another surgery. Despite everything, Justin still took the time to think of others as he donated pumpkins to the children still hospitalized at Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital. With everything that Justin has been through, he has proved that he is November 2011 Hero of the Month.
October 2011 Nominee: Amanda
Amanda is an outgoing 18 year old and who recently moved from Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Marshfield, WI to attend college. A few year ago she was diagnosed with dystonia, a movement disorder that causes involuntarily muscle contractions and spasms. Amanda has had multiple admissions since that time, most of them starting in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. All of these admissions were to help manage the dystonia as much as possible. During her hospitalizations, Amanda usually required several IVs, various medications that made her quite tired, and numerous monitors. Nevertheless, Amanda remained very positive and upbeat with her token saying “Don't awfulize your life, awesomize it.” She found several ways to raise money for the Dystonia Foundation, and she has even inquired about becoming a volunteer on the Pediatric Unit as a way to give back. To all the staff at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Amanda is a deserving October 2011 Hero of the Month.
September 2011 Nominee: Ben
Benjamin (Ben) is a very intelligent 12-year-old boy from Land ‘O Lakes, Wisconsin. In August, Ben was riding a go-cart when it rolled over and trapped his arm underneath. He was brought to Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital where he underwent many radiology exams. The tests revealed Ben suffered a fracture near his elbow, involving his humerus. He underwent surgery to help set his fracture as well as skin grafting. Ben’s arm was splinted and then casted to help it heal. He was hospitalized from August 8th to 18th, which was a long stretch for Ben and his family. He and has family had a rough road due to this unfortunate accident, but were able to pull together for Ben’s recovery. We would like to sincerely nominate Ben for September 20011 Hero of the Month!
August 2011 Nominee: Nathan
Nathan was airlifted to Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital on July 12th, 2011 after being hit by a car going highway speeds. He lost consciousness on the scene and suffered many injuries from the trauma. Nathan was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), intubated and a chest tube was placed to help him breathe. Nathan underwent many radiology tests, surgeries, and procedures to help monitor and repair his injuries. Some of these injuries included bruises, abrasions, lacerations, rib fractures and displacement of multiple bones, and a tibia fracture. After some time, Nathan's injuries started to heal and he regained his ability to breath on his own. He was transferred to the general Pediatric Unit where he worked very hard every day with his rehabiliation team to get stronger. Nathan was finally discharged on July 21st, 2011. This was a very stressful and trying time for Nathan and his loved ones. He and his amazing support system are real heroes. We nomiate Nathan to be the August 2011 Hero of the Month!
May 2011 Nominee: Cailyn
Cailyn is vibrate and bright 12-year-old that lives with her family in Marshfield, WI. Within the months of March and April 2011, Cailyn had numerous trips to the emergency room which eventually led to multiple admission to Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for severe abdominal pain due to ovarian cysts. Cailyn underwent many tests and procedures which included several ultrasounds, x rays, and CT scans. Furthermore, she had to be poked many times in an attempt to start an IV each time she was admitted. Fortunately after being admitted for a day or two, her pain would seem to subside; only to return within days, sometimes hours, of being discharged. While Cailyn was here at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital she enjoyed doing many different crafts, using the computer, and spending time in the teen lounge. Overall, Cailyn had a difficult few months, but still managed get through it all with a smile. For that reason she is the real Hero for May 2011!
April 2011 Nominee: Ben
We would like to recognize a special 12 year old boy from Auburndale, WI. Benjamin (Ben) was hospitalized at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital on February 10th, 2011. He was rushed to our hospital and immediately went into surgery to repair lower parts of his intestines that had ruptured. Ben spent many days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), before being transferred to the general Pediatric Unit. Ben had to overcome many painful and frustrating obstacles during his hospitalization, including placement of multiple intravenous lines, lab draws, and dressing changes. He was not able to eat solid food, endured fevers, and an array of radiology exams.
Ben went from being a very active, healthy 12-year-old boy to having to face these great obstacles during his hospitalization. He enjoys having paintball competitions, basketball, football, watching sports on TV, being with friends. Over time Ben was able to slowly participate in some activities including Pet Therapy, group activities, and testing the Child Life staffs' video gaming abilities! After discharge, Ben hopes to return to participating in all of these activities once again. We would like to nominate Ben for April 2011 Hero of the Month!
March 2011 Nominee: Ashley
Ashley is a 14-year-old girl diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP). On December 9th, 2010 Ashley underwent surgery to correct her legs. Following surgery, Ashley was admitted to Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital for rehabilitation services. Throughout her two week hospital stay, Ashley participated in daily therapies that included Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Recreation Therapy, Music Therapy and Child Life services. At the start of her rehabilitation, Ashley was unable to walk and unable to bend her left knee. With continued hard work and dedication, Ashley is now able to bend her knee and walk with the help of a walker. Ashley was not only a hard worker, but a joy during her entire admission. She constantly wowed the hospital staff with her unconditional love for the Green Bay Packers. Ashley covered her room in Green Bay Packer paraphernalia to help support her favorite team. Even her KAFO (leg brace) has the Green Bay Packer logo on it! She had so much fun cheering on her favorite team to a Super Bowl victory! “GO ASHLEY GO!” “GO PACK GO!”
February 2011 Nominee: Casie
Casie was involved in a motor vehicle crash on December 31st, 2010. She was intubated at the crash scene, transferred to Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital and admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Upon admission, Casie underwent IV placements, CT and MRI scans to assess her condition. The scans indicated that Casie suffered from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), sacral fracture, parapubic fracture, subdural hematoma (blood on the brain) and hemorrhages. Casie’s condition was initially very grav,e but her family and doctors remained hopeful. Slowly but surely she began breathing on her own, getting stronger and eventually the breathing tube was removed. After the breathing tube was removed, Casie was unable to speak and was not responsive to commands. Over time though she became more alert, active and began following more commands. Shortly after Casie was transferred to the general Pediatric, she was moved to “Rehab” status. Casie followed a daily schedule filled with Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life. Each day Casie continues to make physical and cognitive gains. The gains that Casie has made since starting rehab have been nothing short of amazing. We are awed by her hard work and drive to get better! Recently all of the work paid off as Casie is now walking with a walker, self propelling her wheelchair and talking when conversation is initiated. We are so proud of her!!!
January 2011 Nominee: Eric
Eric was admitted to Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital on November 5, 2010 for vomiting and hypokalemia. Eric was diagnosed at the age of five with Gitelman Syndrome, which is a genetic kidney disorder. He has since suffered from chronic hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria from that time. While hospitalized, Eric underwent two IV starts to receive electrolyte replacements, a gastric emptying study and a deep sedated endoscopy and colonoscopy. Eric coped very well throughout his hospitalization and enjoyed attending daily group activities and playing video games in the teen lounge. He remained close to his mother for support and even learned how to play the guitar with the help of the Music Therapist. Eric also enjoyed watching Home Improvement and Rocky and Bullwinkle DVD's. He is a very poised and mature 11-year-old and always greeted staff with a smile. Eric was an absolute joy to work with and it is without hesitation that we nominate him for January 2011 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 Ministry 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 Ministry 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!!