Many children and teenagers experience anxiety with medical interactions after retinoblastoma diagnosis. Pediatric registered nurse and child life intern, Michelle Badejo, describes how hospital anxiety can manifest, and explores how parents can help them cope, be active participants in their ongoing care, and raise their quality of life.
https://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/MedicAl-play-with-doll.jpg30244032Abbyhttps://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WeCH-Logo-web2.jpgAbby2019-10-14 09:45:592020-04-27 09:54:106 Ways to Help Older Children and Teens Cope With and Conquer Hospital Anxiety
Retinoblastoma is highly curable, but lifelong impacts are significant for survivors, siblings, parents and extended family. After a particularly painful personal insight, Rb survivor and WE C Hope CEO Abby White asked families and survivors about their own experiences of life beyond childhood eye cancer care.
https://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Camp-Sunshine-Volleyball.jpg7001200Abbyhttps://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WeCH-Logo-web2.jpgAbby2019-09-30 08:48:202020-04-27 09:58:03When Survivors Grow Up: Family Experiences After Retinoblastoma
Individuals who carry an RB1 mutation have a 50% chance of passing the retinoblastoma cancer syndrome on to each child. Melissa Mills, bilateral retinoblastoma survivor and genetic counsellor, explores the psychological and physical impacts of this experience, and the different routes to creating a family when a prospective parent has an RB1 mutation..
https://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AIMH-Baby.jpg599900Abbyhttps://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WeCH-Logo-web2.jpgAbby2019-09-16 06:22:002020-04-27 09:59:08How Do I Create A Family When I Have An RB1 Mutation?
Local in-person support specific to the needs of families and survivors affected by retinoblastoma is much needed but very rare. Lisa Hester, mother of a young Rb survivor, reflects on the second WE C Hope California Family Day, held in August 2019, the seeds of our mission to bring this support to all across America.
https://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CA-Family-Day-5.jpg12801920Abbyhttps://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WeCH-Logo-web2.jpgAbby2019-09-02 07:18:042020-04-27 10:02:05A Day Well Spent – California Family Day
A diagnosis of childhood eye cancer impacts families in so many ways, during the immediate crisis of treatment, and years after “cure”. Knowing you are not alone on the journey is the greatest comfort and strength. Five mothers reflect on the healing power of Camp Sunshine, a retreat that cares for the entire family when cancer strikes.
https://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DSC_0023.jpg8011200Abbyhttps://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WeCH-Logo-web2.jpgAbby2019-07-08 09:36:412024-02-26 16:01:01Reflections of Camp Sunshine by Rb Moms
Living with the daily effects of childhood eye cancer can be overwhelming, for all family members. Both the immediate crisis of diagnosis and treatment, and the long-term impacts and risks. Child Life Intern and Student Teacher, Meagan Fuller, highlights some simple mindfulness techniques parents and children can use to ease daily tension.
https://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Beach-Meditation-Stones.jpg450800Abbyhttps://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WeCH-Logo-web2.jpgAbby2019-06-24 18:29:202022-08-25 15:55:17Mindfulness Tips for Retinoblastoma Families and Supporting Teachers
Strabismus (turned eye) and leukocoria (white pupil), the most common signs of retinoblastoma, can also occur in healthy eyes. Sandra Staffieri, Retinoblastoma Care Co-ordinator at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, examines both and answers the key question – when should parents and doctors be concerned?
https://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Harry-Lisa-Stephenson-Squint-Leukocoria.jpg452465Abbyhttps://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WeCH-Logo-web2.jpgAbby2019-05-12 15:21:522019-07-19 16:27:03When ‘Something’ Looks the Same As ‘Nothing’: Strabismus, Leukocoria and Childhood Eye Cancer
Annie, an important member of our team, retired on April 15th. Abby White, retinoblastoma survivor, WE C Hope founder and volunteer CEO, reflects on working with her guide dog for seven years. She considers the many varied gifts Annie has brought to both herself as an individual retinoblastoma survivor, and to WE C Hope.
https://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Table-Mountain1.jpg15831203Abbyhttps://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WeCH-Logo-web2.jpgAbby2019-04-29 20:56:122020-04-27 10:11:42Celebrating Annie: Guide Dog Retires from WE C Hope Team
Just 3 paediatric oncologists serve Ghana’s population of 29 million, but this dedicated team leads one of the best childhood cancer programs in West Africa. Dr. Vera Essuman (paediatric ophthalmologist) and Prof. Lorna Renner (paediatric oncologist) discuss retinoblastoma in Ghana and the development of care for children with eye cancer across the country.
https://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Latifa-and-Mother.jpg11251500Abbyhttps://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WeCH-Logo-web2.jpgAbby2019-04-01 09:40:422023-11-27 13:53:24Retinoblastoma in Ghana: Saving Children’s Life and Sight
On March 10, 2019, our beloved child life specialist Jayne Kamau died aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 as she returned home from SIOPAfrica in Cairo. WE C Hope Child Life Director, Morgan Livingstone, reflects on more than a decade of mentoring, friendship and working together to advance child life in Kenya. Co-authored with WE C Hope CEO, Abby White.
https://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Jayne-with-oncology-patient-wearing-Magic-Yarn-princess-wigs.jpg18381769Abbyhttps://wechope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WeCH-Logo-web2.jpgAbby2019-03-18 15:12:492020-04-27 10:15:08Jayne Kamau, My Friend and Colleague
6 Ways to Help Older Children and Teens Cope With and Conquer Hospital Anxiety
Many children and teenagers experience anxiety with medical interactions after retinoblastoma diagnosis. Pediatric registered nurse and child life intern, Michelle Badejo, describes how hospital anxiety can manifest, and explores how parents can help them cope, be active participants in their ongoing care, and raise their quality of life.
When Survivors Grow Up: Family Experiences After Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is highly curable, but lifelong impacts are significant for survivors, siblings, parents and extended family. After a particularly painful personal insight, Rb survivor and WE C Hope CEO Abby White asked families and survivors about their own experiences of life beyond childhood eye cancer care.
How Do I Create A Family When I Have An RB1 Mutation?
Individuals who carry an RB1 mutation have a 50% chance of passing the retinoblastoma cancer syndrome on to each child. Melissa Mills, bilateral retinoblastoma survivor and genetic counsellor, explores the psychological and physical impacts of this experience, and the different routes to creating a family when a prospective parent has an RB1 mutation..
A Day Well Spent – California Family Day
Local in-person support specific to the needs of families and survivors affected by retinoblastoma is much needed but very rare. Lisa Hester, mother of a young Rb survivor, reflects on the second WE C Hope California Family Day, held in August 2019, the seeds of our mission to bring this support to all across America.
Reflections of Camp Sunshine by Rb Moms
A diagnosis of childhood eye cancer impacts families in so many ways, during the immediate crisis of treatment, and years after “cure”. Knowing you are not alone on the journey is the greatest comfort and strength. Five mothers reflect on the healing power of Camp Sunshine, a retreat that cares for the entire family when cancer strikes.
Mindfulness Tips for Retinoblastoma Families and Supporting Teachers
Living with the daily effects of childhood eye cancer can be overwhelming, for all family members. Both the immediate crisis of diagnosis and treatment, and the long-term impacts and risks. Child Life Intern and Student Teacher, Meagan Fuller, highlights some simple mindfulness techniques parents and children can use to ease daily tension.
When ‘Something’ Looks the Same As ‘Nothing’: Strabismus, Leukocoria and Childhood Eye Cancer
Strabismus (turned eye) and leukocoria (white pupil), the most common signs of retinoblastoma, can also occur in healthy eyes. Sandra Staffieri, Retinoblastoma Care Co-ordinator at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, examines both and answers the key question – when should parents and doctors be concerned?
Celebrating Annie: Guide Dog Retires from WE C Hope Team
Annie, an important member of our team, retired on April 15th. Abby White, retinoblastoma survivor, WE C Hope founder and volunteer CEO, reflects on working with her guide dog for seven years. She considers the many varied gifts Annie has brought to both herself as an individual retinoblastoma survivor, and to WE C Hope.
Retinoblastoma in Ghana: Saving Children’s Life and Sight
Just 3 paediatric oncologists serve Ghana’s population of 29 million, but this dedicated team leads one of the best childhood cancer programs in West Africa. Dr. Vera Essuman (paediatric ophthalmologist) and Prof. Lorna Renner (paediatric oncologist) discuss retinoblastoma in Ghana and the development of care for children with eye cancer across the country.
Jayne Kamau, My Friend and Colleague
On March 10, 2019, our beloved child life specialist Jayne Kamau died aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 as she returned home from SIOPAfrica in Cairo. WE C Hope Child Life Director, Morgan Livingstone, reflects on more than a decade of mentoring, friendship and working together to advance child life in Kenya. Co-authored with WE C Hope CEO, Abby White.