Congratulations
2025 Sibling Award Winners
Sibling of the Year Award -celebrating siblings who lead with compassion, advocacy, and strength—making a lasting difference in the lives of their brothers and sisters and the disability community.
Empowering Young Voices Award - honoring young siblings who show courage, empathy, and the power to create change through their love and advocacy.
Dr. Fish Sibling of the Year Award Winner
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Kara Brown’s journey with the Ross County Sibshops began when she was just 17 — a high school senior who chose to spend her free time supporting young siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities. From her very first interview, it was clear she was “exactly the kind of role model our program needed.”
Now a college student in Cincinnati, Kara continues to drive home for every Sibshop event, showing a deep commitment to the siblings she mentors. As the younger sister of Kaitlyn, Kara understands the joys and challenges of growing up alongside a sibling with a disability. Her mom shared, “Kara ensures that Kaitlyn is seen for everything she truly is—advocating for her strengths, abilities, and individuality.”
As the sole facilitator for the Teen Sibshop program, Kara’s empathy and openness create a space where siblings feel understood and supported. “She listens carefully, validates their feelings, and reassures them it’s okay to have mixed emotions,” one organizer shared. Kara’s leadership, compassion, and advocacy embody the true spirit of Ohio SIBS—empowering siblings to find their voices and build connection.
Empowering Young Voices Award Winner
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Empowering Young Voices Award WinnerTommy is the twin brother of Wyatt, who lives with multiple disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. From assisting with Wyatt’s daily care to playing music and spending time together, Tommy approaches his role as a brother with pride and love. His mom shared, “Tommy is proud to tell everyone he knows how cool his twin brother is.”
Tommy’s compassion extends far beyond his home. He supports classmates with disabilities, helps his grandmother stay active and involved, and educates others about inclusion and accessibility. Despite his own visual impairment, Tommy advocates for himself and others, even giving a presentation to more than 75 people about his experiences and how to create understanding in the community.
“I could not give Wyatt the care he needs without him,” his mom said. “Tommy helps others see the importance of including, caring for, and celebrating people with disabilities. He truly has an empowering voice.”
Kiah Chester - 2024 Sibling of the Year
“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 Francis - 2024 Empowering Young Voices 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 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.
Amanda Salmons - 2022 Sibling of the Year
“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.