WE C Hope of effective care for all children with retinoblastoma, survivors and their families.
We are building sustainable local capacity to provide the best possible care for children around the world, particularly in less economically developed countries. Our activities include a comprehensive model strategy for developing countries, and global collaboration to advance evidence based care.
Rati’s Challenge
In September 2006, we launched “Rati’s Challenge” to address the needs of families affected by retinoblastoma in Africa. The Kenya National Retinoblastoma Strategy was launched through this program in September 2008, and remains our priority.
The National Strategy includes awareness education and early detection initiatives, medical training, telemedicine, personalized care, and family support.
Our partners at the Kenya Childhood Cancer Trust share implementation, fundraising and administrative responsibilities for Rati’s Challenge activities.
Global Collaboration
Collaborative research, clinical care and family support to benefit the majority of children can only be developed through inclusive meetings with a real-world focus.
In October 2014, we hosted the second One Retinoblastoma World meeting in Toronto. The first meeting took place in London in October 2012, hosted by our WE C Hope UK colleagues. The third will be held in Dublin, Ireland in 2016.
One Rb World gathers together eye and cancer specialists, researchers, parent and survivor advocates from around the world to pursue of best possible care. Intensive round-table discussion helps identify practical solutions to grow infrastructure, facilities, resources, knowledge and skills for effective care of all children with retinoblastoma.
Collaborative effort and networking among the multidisciplinary delegation establishes solid foundations to support rigorous international multi-center research. This collaboration will ultimately build greater knowledge and scientific evidence to improve survival, vision outcomes and psychosocial care for all children, families and survivors.
Awareness Campaigns
Defeating childhood cancer begins with awareness, understanding and action. We promote three annual campaigns raising awareness of retinoblastoma and childhood cancer.
World Child Cancer Day (Feb 15): raises awareness of childhood cancer and its impact worldwide, and encourages families and childhood cancer communities in developed countries to help affected families in less developed countries.
World Retinoblastoma Week (May): focuses on achieving early diagnosis through awareness of white pupil as the most common early sign of this cancer, and increasing understanding of global issues in care for children, families and adult survivors..
Childhood Cancer (Gold Ribbon) Month (September: promotes awareness and understanding of childhood cancer and survivor issues, and support for childhood cancer organizations to improve care for children, survivors and their families.
Supporting Families
Information and rapid access to appropriate care are vital to save children’s lives and sight, minimize family distress and protect physical and mental health. We support families and survivors around the world as they seek and receive care.
Retinoblastoma Resource: We share comprehensive high-quality information about many aspects of the life-long retinoblastoma journey. Sections are written specifically for families, survivors, friends & relatives and clinicians.
Family Support: We work with our international office in the UK to support families and survivors around the world as they seek and receive care.
