Palatine cancer organization launches suspender campaign

Few garments offer support the way suspenders do.

With that in mind, SuperSibs! is launching a new movement built around the classic accessory that also aims to help the brothers and sisters of children with pediatric cancer feel recognized, honored and supported.

The Palatine-based nonprofit organization, which was founded in 2002, recently announced its “Sibtember” campaign. The fundraising initiative involves participants wearing suspenders all 30 days of September.

Executive Director Suzanne Skala said the goals of Sibtember are to spread awareness for the organization on a national level, as well as raise funds to provide services to more children.

SuperSibs! is encouraging suspender wearers to find crazy patterns and add some flair to spark a conversation about the organization, and hopefully donations.

According to the organization, a quarter of siblings of children with cancer qualify for a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, more than half have PTSD symptoms. Siblings also exhibit high levels of risky social behaviors such as smoking, and have a higher risk of poor academic achievement, impaired social interactions, jealousy, anxiety and other issues.

SuperSibs! offers various comfort and care packages, materials, grief support and outreach services. To take part in Sibtember or learn more, visit sibtember.org.