
Sibling Awards Nomination
You can nominate a sibling to receive a Super Sibling or Sibling Recognition Award, here.
Our Annual Siblings Awards recognise the amazing unsung heroes of the Dravet Syndrome community.
Siblings of those diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome may not experience a typical upbringing. They may be exposed to many difficult or upsetting experiences, such as seeing their brother or sister have a seizure or undergo emergency medical care.
They have to adapt to the day-to-day pressures of living with Dravet Syndrome – the fact that there are times when plans are cancelled or holidays aren’t possible and the simple fact that their parent(s) are stressed, worried and exhausted. Their peers, friends or colleagues may find it difficult to understand what they’re going through, and they may experience feelings of isolation that often go alongside the pressures of living with a disabled sibling.
“Harry’s sister Lilly has it very tough, as I can’t just go out, it all has to be planned and sometimes days out are cut short due to a seizure or his behaviour. She amazes me with how, no matter what, she sees Harry as just Harry, not different.”Emma – Mum to Lilly, and Harry, aged 8 who lives with Dravet Syndrome.
We often hear about the many, amazing things that these brothers and sisters do for everyone in the family. Their selflessness, empathy, kindness and compassion continually inspire us. This extraordinarily close sibling bond continues throughout their lives, even when a sibling has flown the nest of the family home.
“During lockdown, Abi’s day centre was closed so Rose formed a bubble with us and took Abi into her home every day for a couple of hours, to break up Abi’s day and to give me some time.”Amanda – Mum to Rose, and Abi, aged 36, who lives with Dravet Syndrome.
Unfortunately, the demands of everyday life means that siblings don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Our Annual Siblings Awards are to recognise and congratulate these unsung heroes of the Dravet Syndrome community.
We encourage nominations to be made when the sibling is old enough to understand and fully enjoy the award. Remember, that they cannot be nominated again until they’re 16 years old.
We’re always keen to receive nominations from older teenagers and adult siblings – DSUK may not have been around when these siblings were younger and we like to acknowledge that siblings continue to be a big part of the lives of those with Dravet Syndrome as they grow older.
You can nominate a sibling to receive a Super Sibling or Sibling Recognition Award, here.
Read more insights into life as a sibling of a brother or sister living with Dravet Syndrome and take a look at our suggestions for providing support.