08/25/2026
❤️ A Rising Mom’s Perspective on Our First Sibling Support Group
This summer, Rising Lights Project launched our first-ever Sibling Support Group for ages 12–15 — a four-session program designed to give siblings of individuals with disabilities a space of their own to connect, have fun, talk openly, and build relationships with other kids who understand their unique experiences.
One of our Rising Moms, Luchana Imbrogno, shared these beautiful words after her daughter Victoria participated this summer. We asked if we could share them because they capture exactly why supporting the whole family matters so much to us:
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“I always say that siblings of individuals with disabilities are the unsung heroes of their families. They learn to advocate at a very young age. Inclusion becomes one of the qualities they value most. They often become their sibling’s translator, their first and forever friend, and someone who learns from an early age just how beautiful differences can be.
But along with all of that can come anxiety, worry, and fear.
As parents, we do our best to support our neurodiverse households in every way we can. But the reality is that our typically developing children can sometimes take a backseat to the needs of their siblings. That’s why it’s so important that these incredible siblings have a place where they can find support, understanding, and connection as they navigate this very unique journey and relationship.
This summer, Victoria had the opportunity to participate in the very first Rising Lights Project Sibling Support Group. It’s not easy getting a group of 12–15-year-olds to open up about their thoughts, fears, and hopes for their siblings with disabilities. But Alexis created an environment and community that felt safe, welcoming, and completely judgment-free.
It started with a few games, homemade ice cream, pizza, and lots of laughs. And then, almost suddenly, it just happened.
In between bites and jokes, they began sharing things like:
‘I hope my sibling stops getting bullied at school.’
‘I hope my sibling can make true friends.’
They celebrated their siblings’ unique perspectives on life. They shared their worries about the future. They talked about things that are sometimes difficult to say out loud.
And all of that happened in just one summer.
This summer, Victoria found a group of girls (and boys—sorry they aren’t pictured!) who we hope will continue to grow together and remind one another that they never have to navigate this journey alone.
Thank you to the Rising Lights Project for once again recognizing and supporting every member of the family.
For such a young nonprofit, they truly embrace the family as a whole and do whatever they can to bring love, understanding, and support to each household.
Because supporting families means supporting every member of the family.”
— Luchana
From all of us at Rising Lights Project, thank you, Luchana, for allowing us to share your words and Victoria’s experience.
And a huge thank you to Alexis Rhodes for helping us bring this program to life, and to Alexis for creating a space where these incredible siblings could feel seen, supported, and understood.
Our first Sibling Support Group may have wrapped up for the summer, but this is only the beginning. ❤️
