Entries by Abby

A Rough Road Through The Valley

So many days I feel I am banging my head against a wall, watching children die who could have been saved with clear information, simple surgery and emotional support. But the knowledge of how life could be made better for each child, family and survivor is a strong motivational pull. The suffering that can be mitigated with relatively small resources. Somehow when I think I have no more energy, I mine a new seam from within, and from the encouragement and kindness of others, and I move forward, one step at a time.

Forming A Therapeutic Alliance: prescription for success

A positive, open relationship between parents and the child’s medical team is vital throughout treatment and beyond. A therapeutic alliance requires good communication, mutual trust, respect and care, as well as knowledge and skills to provide high quality medical care.

Staging and Classification for Intraocular Retinoblastoma

Intraocular retinoblastoma is classified and staged to help doctors describe the degree of cancer in a child’s eye, determine best treatment options, define potential for cure / eye salvage, and compare impact of different therapies. Each eye is classified to define potential for safely saving the eye / vision. Stage of bilateral Rb is based on the worst affected eye, as an indicator of risk to the child’s life. When an eye might be classified into one of two groups, the higher risk group should be selected. This reduces risk of eye loss or life threatening relapse due to under-treatment.

PhotoRED: Know the Glow and Check for Normal Red Eye Reflex in Children.

Taking photographs to check for red eye reflex is one of the best ways parents can detect early signs of serious eye disease in young children. Here we explain red eye photography and the simple technique all parents should know to check for healthy red reflex in children.

Trek for Hope: a golden opportunity to make a difference.

Looking forward to Daisy Fund’s Africa Bush Trek marking Childhood Cancer Month 2014, Abby White recalls her 2005 adventure through Tanzania’s captivating wilderness. An epic experience raising funds that bring hope of life and sight saving care to children with eye cancer and their families.

The Cactus and the Butterfly: Advocating Best Care for America’s Children.

In early 2013, treatment was cancelled without warning for several Arizona children receiving care at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. No alternative plans were offered for essential life / sight saving therapy. The families approached Daisy’s Eye Cancer Fund for help. Read on to find out how we worked on their behalf to protect the children’s access to high quality on-going care.