The magic of Christmas filled the air on Dec. 20, as more than 160 attendees gathered at SIBSPlace in Rockville Centre for its annual holiday party.
The event brought together families navigating severe illness and loss together for a heartwarming celebration filled yuletide fun and activities including arts and crafts, sing-a-longs, delicious food and a surprise visit from Santa.
“It was a fabulous night,” SIBSPlace Executive Director Joanna Formont, who has been working with the organization for the last 20 years, said.
SIBS — Survivorship in Brothers and Sisters — is a free program facilitated by Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, which was formerly headquartered in Hewlett for 22 years before moving to Merrick Road in Rockville Centre in November 2021.
The program serves more than 300 children between the ages of 5 and 18 with a sibling or parent who has been diagnosed with a severe illness, providing them with opportunities to interact and express their feelings with peers who are going through similar experiences.
“I think this year we were very lucky,” Formont said, explaining how in addition to the support provided through partnerships in Oceanside and Hewlett, the organization also received additional support from Morgan Stanley and Valley Stream Central High School for the Adopt-SIBS Kid gift giving program. Thanks to this overwhelming show of support, more than 500 gifts were distributed to local families in the program. “That really helped to make sure every child had their wish fulfilled.”
SIBSPlace provides programs every night of the week, including bereavement services for children who are dealing with the loss of a loved one due to illness or tragedy. It also offers parent support groups to help families bond, discuss medical concerns and develop coping sills that encourage resilience and foster empowerment.
Several of the program’s former participants will return during the holidays to come and show their support. Of course, the evening was not complete until Santa and his team of elves arrived, escorted by the Rockville Centre Fire Department’s Alert Engine Company No. 2.
The sirens blared from outside as the children excitedly hurried to meet Kris Kringle and his team, who stopped by on his way to the North Pole to hand out presents. Thanks to the effort of the Adopt-SIBS Kid supporters, board members, volunteers and new donors, each of the families received gift-wrapped presents and gift cards to help with any holiday expenses.
For more information on the program, visit SIBSPlace.org or call (516) 374-3000.