The Bonds That Hold
Every family faces challenges differently, but few experiences reshape a family like childhood cancer. While one child receives treatment, brothers and sisters quietly walk alongside them - sharing in the waiting, the uncertainty, the small victories, and the everyday moments that carry a family forward. Though the focus naturally turns to doctors, treatments, and recovery, siblings are changed by the journey, too, often developing remarkable patience, empathy, courage, and resilience at a young age. Today, Lake Bluff siblings share with The Chat what they learned while standing beside their brother Bodie and sister Hattie, offering a perspective that is rarely told but deeply important.
Today, five-year-old Bodie Frano has completed cancer treatment and will be scanned periodically for monitoring. When his sister, Reese (9), thinks back on last year, she doesn’t remember hospital rooms first. She remembers the moments that made her laugh. “It made me smile when Bodie would FaceTime me and make funny faces.” Perhaps the clearest sign that childhood has returned is something perfectly ordinary. “Now Bodie likes building Legos with me, but before he didn’t.” The experience also changed the way Reese sees herself. “I learned that I’m strong.”
For Bodie’s sister Riley (11), lessons reached even deeper. She discovered strength she didn’t know she had and a new appreciation for the little brother she once felt she needed to protect. “I learned how strong and capable I am.” Today, she respects Bodie in a different way. “It also showed me how strong and brave Bodie is. I respect him more now, and I let him do things on his own if he wants to.” Looking back, Riley doesn’t remember cancer defining her family as much as the moments that kept them together. “I really remember the fun times we had together, even during the hard times.” Riley is looking forward to something many families rarely stop to appreciate. “I’m excited to keep having fun with my family without worrying if this is the week Bodie will get a fever.”
Six-year-old Hattie Lewicki recently celebrated her six-month scan with clear results. Like life with most siblings, there were moments of frustration and jealousy but those feelings eventually gave way to something deeper: perspective. For her sister Nora, the journey through treatment brought lessons that were difficult, but lasting.
“I learned that small people can be tough and so am I. It’s not all about me. Hattie needed my parents more, and I knew they still loved me.” Now, they’re looking ahead to something treatment once made impossible. “I’m excited to go on an airplane and travel! We’re going to Disney World this fall for Hattie’s Make-A-Wish!”
Even during the hardest days, Hattie’s brother Drew (10), noticed that his family felt better through the kindness of others. Friends dropped off meals, folded laundry, surprised the kids with toys and reminded them they weren’t facing cancer alone.
“We are really lucky to live here and have so many people take care of our family.”
Today, Hattie is healthy, and their relationship is stronger than ever.
“We are even closer now. She is super brave, and I am proud of her and happy she’s done with cancer.”
Helpful and caring Resources for Siblings of Pediatric Cancer Patients
Lurie Children’s Hospital Child Life Specialists
Cancer Wellness Center of Northbrook
Special Spaces
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Cal’s Angels
Bear Necessities
Camp One Step
Sunrise Day Camp