National Siblings Day!

April 10th is National Siblings Day!   

There is a special bond between siblings. When a child is admitted to the hospital, siblings are impacted as well as the patient.  There are many ways to support siblings of hospitalized patients.   

I wanted to take a moment to feature one of our wonderful siblings, Riley.  Riley is a big sister to Bobbie, who was in the hospital for 953 days.  

Please read below a write-up about Riley and Bobbie from their amazing mom:

Bobbie is 3 years old and is diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and was in the hospital for 953 days. 

Riley and Bobbie only met 2 times prior to coming to UCSF. Riley would watch the NICU cam or videos mama would make for her. She would send a stuffed bunny back and forth that held special hugs and kisses. When we got transferred to the NICU at UCSF the girls officially met in person when Bobbie was 7 months old, and it was an instant sister love. Bobbie loved listening to songs that sister sang, books that were read, and getting snuggled. 

COVID hit and Riley wasn't allowed to come to the hospital anymore. But that didn't stop the sisters from bonding. Zoom calls every day, playing music, reading stories, or just watching big sister play with her toys. 

Since Bobbie has been home, the girls love to spend time together.  Sleeping together, playing peek a boo, taking walks, reading, singing songs, movie nights, and bouncing on the trampoline. Nothing slows them down! We make adjustments to what Bobbie needs so that they both can create any and all adventures together. 

Riley has been such a huge help with her little sister, she helps with trach care/change, G-tube feeds, therapy, eating, and just making her smile. They love to spend time together and when Bobbie smiles at Riley, it is always a sweet moment knowing that her big sister helped in Bobbie’s recovery to come home.