“What is a lynch pin?” Fish asked the audience. “It’s a steel pin that passes through the end of an axle to keep the wheels of a car or truck in position. It’s not very big, but it’s solid, reliable and critical to the function of the wheel. One might describe Kiah Chester as a ‘lynch pin.’ We suspect that not only will she advocate for her students of all abilities, but are confident she’ll be uniquely qualified to support young sibs. Kiah is a lynch pin. Her empathy, compassion and unwavering support of her brother and family make her the perfect 2024 winner of the Dr. Fish Sibling of the Year Award.”

Jonah has been an advocate for his brother since the beginning. Jonah recently said “Mom, I noticed that a friend didn’t know how to talk to Brock or interact with him”. I replied with “it’s difficult for people to sometimes understand that people have different abilities”. Jonah gave me a serious look and said “I will have to teach them then”. And all I could think was “Jonah, you already do, you are changing the world for your brother and you don’t even know it”.

Halea has always put the needs of others before herself. Even as a small child she cared for and “mother henned” her little brother, even though they are only a year and a half apart. Her brother was diagnosed with autism at two years old, and as a family we have strived to give him the most opportunities we can.

“It’s really important to embrace the role of being an advocate—especially for a sibling with a disability.”

Just because they have a disability doesn’t mean that they aren’t able to do many incredible things in life. They are so capable of doing anything. They have hearts and souls, and I feel like a lot of people forget that, immediately putting a label on them. But to me, people with disabilities don’t have a label. And my family doesn’t think that either. We want to change the way people see others with disabilities,” she said.