The 2nd Annual Tommy Savino Foundation T-Shirt Fundraiser will raise money for a cause close to. Tommy's sister Kristi heart: supporting children whose siblings have cancer. Watching her brother go through something incredibly scary and watching him fight hard knowing there was nothing she could do to help was an overwhelming and sad. This is an experience many siblings face everyday. According to the National Children's Cancer Society, 29%-38% of siblings experience post- traumatic stress related to their sibling's cancer and 57% of young adults (15-24) with a sibling who has cancer face psychological challenges tied to their sibling's illness.

Thankfully, several organizations provide crucial support to help siblings process what their brothers and sisters are going through. The Valerie Fund, a New Jersey- based organization, offers sibling workshops called Sibshops. These programs provide twice-yearly recreational and therapeutic sessions, giving peer support, education, group counseling, and activities to express their feelings, discuss concerns, and better understand their sibling's conditions.

Dana-Farber, based in Boston also offers a sibling program. They provide virtual group sessions, activity based connections, sibling bags filled with helpful information for the siblings to understand what is happening with their siblings, a siblings BEADS milestone program to help siblings process the experience. These programs help siblings cope, connect, and learn more about their siblings illness.

Programs like these are vital in helping siblings understand what is happening, process their emotions, and find meaningful ways to support their brother or sister in their cancer battle.

Thank you for your time and consideration!