We Created the Comic We’ll Get Through This Together to Highlight the Needs of Healthy Siblings

Vojta is a great kid. He loves playing floorball and goofing around at home with his sister Ema and her rabbit. But when Ema gets seriously ill, a lot of things in his life start to change. What helps him cope? What does he need in order to understand the changes around him?

When one child becomes ill, the entire family’s world changes. The sick child becomes the center of attention, and there’s often little time and energy left for their healthy siblings. Although these siblings may seem fine on the outside, they often face a complex emotional struggle within. They may feel lonely or overlooked, worry about their sibling’s health and the future, or even feel guilty for being healthy—or jealous of the increased attention given to the sick child.

How can we support them? How do we talk with them about illness? And how do we make sure they still receive our love, time, and understanding?

At Vlaštovka, we are increasingly aware of how important it is not to forget about healthy siblings during the difficult time of a serious illness. That’s why we created the comic We’ll Get Through This Together, which opens up this often overlooked topic. Through the story of Vojta, whose sister Ema has become seriously ill, we show the world through the eyes of a healthy sibling—their emotions, worries, and what helps them cope with the changes in their family.

The comic was written by Vlaštovka play specialists Michaela Váňová and Růžena Štanclová, illustrated by Nora Štrbová, and created with expert input from teacher Edita Kleinová, FN Hradec Králové’s Center for Family Support leader Lenka Kohoutková, and doctor Barbora Červíčková. Together, we have all worked with families affected by serious childhood illness and have seen how crucial it is to give space to the needs of healthy siblings.

Why a comic? Because images and words together can capture what is often hard to express—complex emotions, hidden questions, and the longing to be understood. We believe this comic can be a valuable tool for parents, teachers, and anyone who works with children whose sibling is seriously ill. It can serve as a bridge to conversation, listening, and shared understanding.

Every child deserves to be heard. And we adults can make that possible.

If you would like to receive a copy of the comic, let us know through our contact page. We’ll be happy if you share it and help spread awareness that caring for healthy siblings is just as important as caring for the sick child.