Honest Conversations: Siblings

Date: October 6th, 2026 at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET
Location: Over Zoom
Website: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Jcf6dbD-TuOOpne4IJvXPw

Growing up with a sibling who has 22q is a unique experience.

It’s full of incredible moments of love and pride, but let’s be real—it can also be confusing, scary, and sometimes a little lonely. That's why we've organized this monthly meetup group just for siblings (ages 13-18) to connect.

This isn't therapy, and it’s not school. It’s a low-pressure, casual space just for us to connect, laugh, vent, and remind each other that we are part of a massive, supportive crew.

In this group, we talk about stuff that's probably already been on your mind:

  • Explaining 22q to your friends (without it being awkward).
  • Managing feelings like guilt, grief, and jealousy (yep, we go there).
  • Balancing school, hobbies, and life when things are chaotic at home.
  • Celebrating the awesome bond we have with our siblings.

And of course, we keep it interactive with games, polls, and breakout chats. This is your space!

Register today at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Jcf6dbD-TuOOpne4IJvXPw

Led by someone who's lived it.

My name is Madelyn, and I'm a 22q sibling.

I’m 24 years old and the oldest of nine kids in a family with lots of special needs. I know exactly what it’s like to navigate school, friends, and my own identity while also being a fierce advocate and supporter for my siblings!

Growing up, I wanted to believe that being a sibling of someone with 22q didn't mean anything special. I tried to convince myself that grades and extracurriculars were my biggest stressors. I pretended that "will I be able to support my siblings one day?" wasn't a factor in deciding what I wanted to be when I grew up.

But there was a loneliness in denying such an important aspect of my identity that didn't go away until I was able to talk about it with people who understood.

The goal of this group is to create a place where siblings of people with 22q can do just that--talk about it! This is a safe space where we can share the good and the bad and support each other through it. I’m here to facilitate, but mostly, I’m here to listen, share my own experiences, and help us build a strong community.

Join us this month!

Register today at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Jcf6dbD-TuOOpne4IJvXPw

Questions? Email this group's facilitator at Madelyn@22qfamilyfoundation.org.