Kirsten Nelson, a music therapist at University of Iowa Children's Hospital, has received a national award for her role in founding the UI Children's Hospital monthly sibling support group -- the Brothers and Sisters Club -- to provide outreach and education to siblings of pediatric patients.
Nelson received the Sibling STAR Partner Certification from SuperSibs!, a national non-profit organization working to support brothers and sisters of children with cancer. According to SuperSibs!, more than 18,000 children each year have brothers or sisters diagnosed with cancer.
"The award is well-deserved recognition of Kirsten's commitment and dedication to helping siblings of patients with cancer. It also is a reflection of UI Children's Hospital's goal of providing support to family members as an essential part of caring for our patients," said Michael Artman, MD, physician-in-chief at UI Children's Hospital and professor and head of pediatrics at the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.
Funded by a grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the award honors outstanding professionals and programs making a difference for families affected by pediatric cancer.
The UI Brothers and Sisters Club is a collaboration between the Child Life Program and the Music Therapy Program at UI Children's Hospital. The club is supported by University of Iowa Dance Marathon.
Initiated by Nelson and Emily Mozena, who was at the time a child life specialist at UI Children's Hospital, the program is currently managed by Nelson and Racheal Niensteadt, a certified child life specialist. |
