You are strong and brave and capable.
You’re a VIP!
Learning about a rare epilepsy isn’t easy. When your brother or sister has a seizure or other emergency, you may feel a little scared or worried. And you may feel like you’re the only one who has a brother or sister with a rare epilepsy. But, did you know, there are lots of siblings out there who are just like you? If you found your way to this website, you probably received a special package in the mail just for you—a VIP Sibling Kit. Below is a list of what the kit contains.
Kit Contents
My Sibling Is Special
This is a book written just for you, to help you understand your feelings about having a brother or sister with a rare epilepsy. Did you know that it’s okay to have different thoughts and emotions—good or bad? Your mom and dad are there to support you and talk about it. You can read the book on your own or with your family.
Coloring Journal
Coloring, drawing pictures, and writing are fun! Not only that, activities like these can also help you feel calm. This journal has lots of special messages just for you! You can color or doodle your thoughts. You can even write a letter or draw a picture for your family to let them know how you’re feeling. It’s totally up to you—this is your very own VIP sibling journal!
Family Journal
Use the journal to share what’s on your mind or to let your family member know you’re thinking of them. Write a short note or long letter—it’s up to you! Take space and privacy to write on your own time, in your own words. Then leave the journal where your family member (grownup or sibling, depending on who is doing the writing) can find it and read it on their own time and in their own space. This is your Family Journal so you decide what works best!
Stickers!
Who doesn’t love stickers? And they’re a great way to decorate your coloring journal to show how you feel. Whether you’re happy or feeling silly, grumpy, or mad, you’ll find a sticker that matches your mood. Sometimes you may even feel sad and if that happens, it might be a good time to sit down with your mom and dad to talk about how they can help you feel better.
Rockin’ it / Rough Day Wristband
We all have good days and bad days! With a quick flip of your VIP sibling wristband, you can show others how you feel. Colorful side out—and you are Rockin’ It (that means you’re having a good day). Blue side out—you’re having a Rough Day. This is a great way to show your family how you’re feeling.
Plush Star
Attach your own soft star to your backpack. Give it a squeeze to help you remember that every day, you are a star and a very important part of your family. After all: you’re a VIP sibling!
Kit Contents
Click “More” button to find VIP Sibling Kit items you can download or print.
You’re a VIP!
It isn’t easy having a brother or sister with a rare epilepsy. When your sibling has a seizure or other health emergency, it can disrupt everything going on in the family, interrupting your plans and requiring you to step in to help, or step away for a bit.
You may feel like nobody else your age has to cope with these kinds of challenges. The reality is, there are many, many siblings out there who are just like you: resilient, strong, brave, but also, sometimes, struggling. We in the rare epilepsy community understand and care, and have created something just for you.
If you found your way to this website, you may already have received a VIP Sibling Kit in the mail (if not, your parent can order one today—just direct them to VIPsibling.com). Below is a list of what the kit contains.
Kit Contents
Journal
Pull out this journal whenever you feel the urge to draw, write, or doodle your thoughts. You’ll notice messages and prompts that may spark your creativity. Every time you color or write in your journal, we want you to remember how important you are. And when you’re in the mood to share, you can use one of the tear-out pages to write a letter to your mom, dad, or someone else important in your life to express how you’re feeling.
Family Journal
Use the journal to share what’s on your mind or to let your family member know you’re thinking of them. Write a short note or long letter—it’s up to you! Take space and privacy to write on your own time, in your own words. Then leave the journal where your family member (grownup or sibling, depending on who is doing the writing) can find it and read it on their own time and in their own space. This is your Family Journal so you decide what works best!
Rockin’ it / Rough Day Wristband
We all have good days and bad days! With a quick flip of your VIP sibling wristband, you can show others how you feel. Colorful side out—and you are Rockin’ It (that means you’re having a good day). Blue side out—you’re having a Rough Day. This is a great way to show your family how you’re feeling.
Door Hanger
Admit it, you probably spend a lot of time hanging out in your bedroom, with the door shut, right? If you do, you are certainly not alone! We all need personal space and privacy, but that closed door can make it hard for the adults in your family to know how you’re feeling. The VIP sibling door hanger lets you show parents and other family members when you need space—and when you want to talk.
Adult VIP siblings have written you letters to share their experiences.
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Kit Contents
Click “More” button to find VIP Sibling Kit items you can download or print.