A Space for Siblings
Connection . Support . Community
Welcome to Kym Advocates
I believe all family members impacted by an eating disorder must have the tools and hope to come away from this illness healthy and whole.
As a lived-experience professional, I’m passionate to provide siblings who have a brother or sister with an eating disorder the acknowledgment, connection, and resources they have never been afforded. To highlight this need, I have collaborated alongside clinicians, researchers, and organizations for over a decade.
In 2018 I co-created a sibling needs survey that has reached over 500 siblings around the world. The survey has continued to bring the sibling experience to light. That same year KymAdvocates.com was created to allow a space for siblings to share their experiences, stories, and perspectives. Along with these incredible interviews I’ve had the privilege to educate and support hundreds of siblings and parents which has led to the Sibling Support Series. This series offers the community, peer support, and strategies designed especially for siblings!
Kym currently serves as a Community Advisor for Equip and Co-Chair for the Academy for Eating Disorders Expert by Experience Committee.
WORKSHOP
This peer-to-peer series was created to build community, support, and education for siblings who have a brother or sister with an eating disorder.
- Do you want to connect with other siblings?
- Do you need education, resources, and tools but don’t know where to look?
- Do you ever wonder how to help your sister or brother?
- Or maybe you just feel overwhelmed and alone?
The Sibling Support Series was developed for this very reason!
I’m often asked why I advocate for siblings
While parent support has improved enormously over the years; research, treatment, and online resources have not for the sibling. I have coached, supported, and co-created a survey for siblings. What siblings clearly want are resources, education, and support for their unique experience.
Eating Disorders | A Sibling’s Perspective
I’m often asked why I advocate for siblings
The answer is, I am one.
Like so many, it all began with a painful journey. My sister Kacy suffered from Bulimia Nervosa and co-occurring mental illnesses for over 15-years. Despite my reports of eating disorder behaviors and alcohol use, everyone believed Kacy was simply rebelling. No one suspected an eating disorder because my sister was in a bigger body.
I felt alone and isolated as Kacy’s personality changed, her behaviors became frightening, and I went to school acting like everything was fine. I was clinically depressed by high school, enmeshed, codependent, and sitting in enormous guilt for not being able to help her. I was grieving a sister who was once my best friend. Kacy died when I was 32 years old. The pain was overwhelming, yet I fought to find my own healing and have found my passion to help other siblings!
Eating Disorders | A Sibling’s Perspective
Interviews from Siblings Like You
“I did not want to hear the parent’s version, not what the therapist recommended and not an article on what I was supposed to say or feel. I wanted to hear from another sibling.” -Kym
For over a decade I would search for a story that sounded like mine. I wanted to know I was not alone. But I never found those voices. Sisters and brothers have unique experiences. We can learn and grow from one another but we have never had the bridge to connect us.
I am honored to provide that bridge! Through online interviews, I will share the variety of backgrounds, perspectives, impacts, tools, and sibling wisdom so no sibling feels alone. I want all siblings to remember, you count too!
LATEST SIBLING STORIES
UPCOMING EVENTS
The International Conference on Eating Disorders (ICED), hosted by the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), brings clinicians, educators, researchers, experts by experience and students from all over the globe together.
Registrants after June 3rd will receive an email with log in information for the ICED platform within 24 hours.
PAST EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
The International Conference on Eating Disorders (ICED), hosted by the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), brings clinicians, educators, researchers, experts by experience and students from all over the globe together.
Registrants after June 3rd will receive an email with log in information for the ICED platform within 24 hours.
PAST EVENTS
CONTACT KYM
Kym currently offers the Sibling Support Series. A series of 5 zoom virtual sibling groups.
Kym is also available for workshops and speaking engagements. Fill out the form below and Kym will be happy to connect.