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WisconSibs’ Annual Sibling’s Choice Awards

Over the years, siblings have told us how much they depend on and appreciate quality caregivers who really care about their brothers and sisters.  So, in 2009, we developed two Sibling’s Choice Awards to acknowledge and honor professional and family caregivers across Wisconsin who do an outstanding job of promoting the independence and quality of life of a person with a disability. In 2023, a third category was added to the award to recognize siblings of people with disabilities who act in a caregiving role for much of, or all, their lives.

Nominations are accepted from brothers or sisters of individuals with disabilities.  Nominations recognize either family caregivers, siblings, or professional individuals, including service providers, physicians, attorneys, financial professionals, legislators and advocates who serve and support individuals with disabilities.

In 2024, three exceptional caregivers were honored with the Siblings Choice Awards. Johanna Wicklund (pictured below accepting the award on behalf of Victorian Acres with WisconSibs founder Harriet Redman) nominated Victorian Acres Adult Foster Care for their outstanding care of her twin brothers. In her nomination, Johanna praised Victorian Acres for making her brothers feel comfortable and valued, while also keeping the entire family involved. Another recipient of the 2024 Siblings Choice Award was Annabelle Schubring, nominated by her mother. Annabelle was recognized for her passionate advocacy for her brother in all aspects of his life. The final award went to Alice Young, who was also nominated by her mother. Alice was celebrated for her unwavering dedication and commitment to ensuring her brother lives his best life.

Some Past winners:

 

2023

  • Sawyer Burton, Appleton, WisconSibs Sibling’s Choice Family Caregiver Award. Sawyer, nominated by his mother, provides care for his aunt.
  • Tracy Scanlan, Appleton, WisconSibs Sibling’s Choice Family Caregiver Award. Tracy, nominated by her daughter, provides care for her daughter.
  • Joe Sauer, Appleton, WisconSibs Sibling’s Choice Family Caregiver Award. Joe, nominated by one of his daughters, provides care for another of his daughters.
  • Randy Young, Hilbert, WisconSibs Sibling’s Choice Family Caregiver Award. Nominated by Thalia Mann, Randy provides care for his brother.

2021

  • Joel Lillo, Appleton, WisconSibs Sibling’s Choice Family Caregiver Award. Joel cares for Jordan, a young man living with autism and was nominated by Jordan’s sister, Karenna Zills of West Allis.  
  • Judy and Robert Wicklund, Green Bay, WisconSibs Sibling’s Choice Family Caregiver Award. They provide care for their twin sons and were nominated by their daughter, Johanna Wicklund of Green Bay.
  • Bailey Hubbard, Belleville, WisconSibs Sibling’s Choice Professional Caregiver Award. Bailey provides respite care for Max and was nominated my Max’s sister, Ava Foley of Belleville.

2019

  • Sara Wipperman, New Holstein, WisconSibs Sibling’s Choice Family Caregiver Award. Sara cares for Wyatt, a young boy with disabilities and was nominated by Wyatt’s sister, Anika.
  • Andrene Busch, Neenah, WisconSibs Sibling’s Choice Family Caregiver Award. Annabelle Busch, 13, a Shattuck Middle School eighth-grader and sister of Catherine, nominated her Aunt Andrene for the award.
  • Todd Steven & Associates, Menasha, WisconSibs Sibling’s Choice Professional Caregiver Award who provides daily care and community support for Phillip Redman. Phillip’s sister, Christiana Yablonowski nominated the organization.

Press Releases:
Download complete news release – 2023
Download complete news release – 2021
Download complete news release – 2019

WisconSibs, Inc is a member of the Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance (WFACSA) and the Outagamie Caregiver Coalition to address the needs of family caregivers, including siblings.