In honor of National Siblings Day, celebrated this week on April 10, we’re finding out what the perfect world would be like for three young sisters.

Sisters in Charge of the World

If I were in charge of the world,

I’d cancel homework,

sickness, school, bedtimes,

and weak internet connections.

If I were in charge of the world,

there would be more

fashion shows and friends,

holidays and parties,

Chihuahuas, Bulldogs,

German Shepherds,

and unicorns for pets.

If I were in charge of the world,

you wouldn’t have solar eclipses,

you wouldn’t have punching,

slapping, or kicking,

or a sister that watches baby cartoons

or wears unicorn shirts.

If I were in charge of the world,

a person who sometimes forgets

to brush her teeth or do homework

or organize books

or hang clothes

would still be allowed

to be in charge of the world.

Sisters:   Janie – age 10, Sofia – age 8, Abigail – age 6

The Periwinkle Foundation values the opportunity to develop and provide programs that positively change the lives of both patient and family – in particular, siblings. Siblings of patients challenged by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses are also affected by the diagnosis. From witnessing a brother or sister go through treatment, to feeling a shift in parent or guardian attention, to general worry or concern for their brother or sister, siblings also benefit from Periwinkle programming.

Programming provided through the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers is offered to all children and teens visiting the clinic, including siblings of patients! Participating in engaging arts activities not only helps to break up the monotony of the long hours at the clinic, but also provides siblings with a creative outlet to express the feelings and emotions connected to their sibling’s journey and diagnosis. Creative writing pieces and artwork developed by siblings are featured annually in The Splendid Review and Making A Mark®.

Additionally, all patients who apply to one of Periwinkle’s camping programs – including Camp Periwinkle, Periwinkle Day Camp and Camp YOLO – are encouraged and allowed to include a brother or sister within the same age range of the program in their application to camp. This way, siblings share in the camping adventure and are given the opportunity to connect with other siblings who are experiencing similar challenges.

By providing meaningful programming for both patient and siblings, Periwinkle cultivates a community of healing to accompany the journey through treatment and into survivorship. And we think that’s worth celebrating on National Siblings Day!

This entry is a part of our series “Make it a Splendid Week”! Follow along weekly to enjoy excerpts from The Splendid Review, an anthology of poems, short stories and autobiographies written by talented young writers engaged in the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers.