From The Orange County Register
By Jonathan Winslow / Staff Writer
Yezehnia Rocha, 7, wins “tape jousting” against Kristen Spalding, the founder of Allie’s Helping Hands, a non-profit that helps siblings of sick kids. They were at CHOC “Super Sib Day where they played games, did art and were recognized for their part in their sibling’s battle. (Photo by MINDY SCHAUER – THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER)
Children’s Hospital of Orange County celebrated “Super Sib Day” on Saturday, recognizing the family heroes who perhaps too often go unsung: the brothers and sisters of critically sick children.
The event was co-sponsored by Allie’s Helping Hands, an Orange County nonprofit that supports the siblings of CHOC patients.
Kristen Spalding, Allie’s founder and president, knows the feeling of watching your childhood pass by from a hospital waiting room.
When she was a little girl, her sister Allie battled leukemia. As other kids went out and played or invited their friends to sleepovers, Kristen stayed glued to the TV at the hospital. Even for sick kids who stay home, the threat of bringing germs into the house and constant journeys to the hospital mean a “normal” life is all but impossible.
Spalding recalled a hospital volunteer offering to bring her home to play with her children for the day. The woman’s house was like a dream playground, Spalding said, complete with a Pac-Man arcade machine, popcorn, cotton candy maker and a trampoline.
“That day is forever seared in my brain as the day I felt like a normal child,” she said. “I didn’t have any worry or fear about what was happening back at the hospital. I was just totally full of pure joy.”
After a 12-year struggle, Allie succumbed to her illness. Four years ago, Spalding started the nonprofit in her memory.
Laughter and smiles were constant throughout Saturday’s event, as kids played “tape joust,” – a game involving trying to snatch tape off noses – made paintings and competed in hula hoop races.
The children also were honored for being “super siblings,” with Spalding reading testimonials written by their parents letting them know how important they are to their families.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
“These siblings really just want so desperately to have the gift of someone’s time,” Spalding said. “And to be recognized for the incredibly important role they play in the overall family’s health and well-being.”
Afterward, children filled out an evaluation sheet to let organizers know what they liked. One response read: “Thank you for caring about me.”
Contact the writer: jwinslow@ocregister.com
