About Us

My name is Celia Botelho and I have one younger brother, Leo (15). When I found out that I was going to be a big sister, I was ecstatic and ready to meet my new lifelong best friend. My brother Leo was born 5 weeks early and unfortunately suffered a stroke at birth. The stroke along with other complications with pre-term labor caused my brother to spend 8 long days in the NICU. Throughout the years, my family and I have learned that Leo has cerebral palsy, visual impairments, and epilepsy caused from the those complications at birth. Leo persevered through the NICU, and when he arrived home I was so happy to be around him. As Leo grew older, he had to attend appointments to help shape his motor skills, his speech, and other daily actions.  I also had to attend Leo's PT, OT, speech, and vision appointments weekly since I was too young to remain home alone. These appointments became part of my schedule and I never thought too much about the immense periods of time I spent in waiting rooms. I was always concerned with the safety, health, and emotions of my brother due to the fact he had a disadvantage in life. Seeing someone you love face many challenges daily and not always being there to help them is extremely stressful. I remember the countless nights I spent with Leo listening to music trying to help him walk from chair to chair. It took 5 years and listening to Gangnam Style for him to finally master it. I will forever admire Leo's perseverance with life and how he takes every challenge head on. I recognize the numerous other siblings like me who have to go the extra mile to help their sibling. I hope through Siblings In Stride, we are able to assist  the the siblings of medically challenged and special needs children. Together, Siblings in Stride will provide its best efforts to ensure that all children in families are able to receive the support needed to become successful.

My name is Reagan Trout and I have three younger sisters: Charlie (9), Sadie (7), and Grace (5). When I was eight years old, I found out I was going to be a big sister – in which I very excitedly fist pumped my hand and shrieked, “Yes!” – as I knew this must be my greatest journey yet. And, I was right. The day my sister was born was easily the best day of my life. I never knew I could love something as much as I loved my sister! The next day, I found myself telling everyone at summer camp about how I was going to the hospital to see my little sister right when this was over – and little did I know that I would be saying that for a long time. Just a day after she was born, Charlie was rushed under emergency surgery, which would later prove to be a result of Hirschsprung's Disease, a rare colon disease that would present the biggest obstacle our family would face. For even up to six months at a time, Charlie would be hooked up to IVs and I would be eating family meals alongside her (though, I can’t really complain about the hospital cake…) If I wasn’t at the hospital, I’d be home with my grandmother, or one of my parents – rarely was our family ever together. For years and years, Charlie would fight her way out of the hospital, spend some time at home, then be forced to do it all again. Charlie is easily the bravest little girl I know, and everyday she lives up to that standard. After eight years of countless surgeries, hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, not being able to swim, “yucky medicines,” feeding tubes, and other challenges – you will never fail to see a smile on Charlie’s face (unless she’s fighting with her sisters!). Despite her bravery and inspiration – the fear and anxiety that has been felt for her for half my life has proved to be the biggest struggle I have faced. I am lucky enough to have family and friends that have offered the utmost support for me, allowing me to walk, stride, and run. I hope that I can use my experiences to do for others what has been done for me.