Halea King - 2023 Sibling of the Year

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. Halea has always cared for her brother and helped us in our mission to better his life, and now, as an adult, she is playing an even larger role. She supports her brother in everyday life, but she goes well beyond our household. Her brother is active and thoroughly enjoys the Autism Project, Challenger Baseball, and Just 4 Fun bowling, and Halea has been involved in order to make sure that her brother and his friends will get to enjoy these activities for years to come”.

The Ohio SIBS Board selected Halea as this year’s recipient because of the impact her volunteer efforts and leadership roles have had on the lives of many individuals. To help you understand Halea’s impact here are some highlights from her nomination:

For the 2023 year, Halea was elected President of the Autism Project of Southern Ohio. The Autism Project is a nonprofit with a mission to educate, advocate, and raise autism awareness and acceptance in their community while providing parent-to-parent support. She has also served since 2020 as their Media Coordinator and aided in efforts to grow their community during the pandemic. In her time as President, Halea has made strides to ensure the community is involved in their various events such as a Valentine’s Dance, sensory friendly Easter Egg Hunt, free BINGO night, and the public monthly meetings with guest speakers. Since her election, several new families have joined as members and feel welcomed into the support group.

Halea also contributes and volunteers with the Adventurers of OH and KY. The group meets once every month to work on badges and learn skills. Especially within the last year, Halea has been a co-leader in running the group, taking on additional responsibilities. She is also involved in the Challenger Little League Baseball team. This is a new non-profit and Halea has played an integral role in making this a reality. She has created a positive, inclusive environment where all children and adults with disabilities in the surrounding area can experience the great American game of baseball. She started as a buddy to her brother in 2007, and now co-coaches two teams, neither of which her brother even plays on! The league has sixty-nine players this year, and she was essential in making that happen.

Halea’s community is also blessed to have the bowling league Just 4 Fun for those of any disability and their siblings to participate. She stepped up to the plate in a time of need and ensured, that season happened, and all forty-eight bowlers had an incredible time.

As you can see it is clear that Halea is committed as a sibling to improve the quality of not only her brother’s life, but for all those with disabilities in her community.

Please join me in congratulating Halea King on receiving the Tom Fish Sibling of the

Year Award for 2023.