"I need more sleep." Cat sleeping with head rested on a typewriter.

Sleep, Photosensitivity and Retinoblastoma

The body’s sensitive biological clock regulates sleep, which is vital to our physical and mental health. Dr. Iona Alexander explores how some effects of retinoblastoma treatment may disrupt this highly tuned system, and invites survivors to help researchers understand the relationship between these effects and sleep.

Life as a Registered Mom

On Saturday 12 May, International Nurses Day celebrates the incredible life-saving, life-changing work of nurses around the world. Janine Patterson shares the uncommon experience, benefit and burden of being a nurse when your child is diagnosed with cancer, and important things she has learned along the way.

Tree of Life - thr trunk of the tree is a DNA double helix

How DNA and Genetic Knowledge Changes Lives: the impact of genetic testing for five families affected by retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma survivor and WE C Hope co-founder / CEO, Abby White, considers the central importance of DNA and genetic knowledge in caring for the child and family. She introduces us to Alice, Jamie, Megan, Rachel, Peter and their families, to find out how genetic testing can influence treatment, screening and lifelong care.

“Grief is in two parts. The first is loss. The second is the remaking of life.” Anne Roiphe

Make Space for Grief: Honour the place you are in

Linda Conyard MGestT explores the grief that can arise from retinoblastoma diagnosis, treatment, eye removal surgery, loss of innocence, and mutilated family life. She considers the potential harm of suppressing this grief, and offers both families/survivors and medical professionals ways to prevent prolonged suffering.

The Informed Parent: 6 Tips for Staying Up to Date in a Social Media World

Google and social media play an increasingly significant role in the lives of families affected by retinoblastoma, but without careful use, they can complicate a child’s medical care and even put life at risk. Dr. Jesse Berry shares her recommendations for being a safely informed parent advocate in the modern hyper-connected age.

A diagram showing DePict in the midlle, next to the patient, and all members of the care team who can interact with the system to enhance the child's care. All care is underpinned by child life support.

DePICT the Cancer Care Journey: Overcome Rarity Through Collaborative Research

Brenda Gallie, global leader in retinoblastoma clinical care, research and innovation, discusses an exciting technology promising to improve care during treatment and beyond. DePICTRB supports collaboration among the child’s entire circle of care, gives parents open access to their child’s record, and empowers clinical research.

“Some journeys don't have endings, they lead to new beginnings. These are the journeys that lead to great adventures!” Alex Haditaghi from ‘Softly, As I leave her’ 2016. Quote set against background of sunrise painting a golden pathway over blue ocean, into a slightly clouded blue sky.

One Retinoblastoma World, A New Realm of Discovery

When Sandra Staffieri left Australia in August 2012 for a conference in Italy and a tour of retinoblastoma centres in North America, she had no idea how radically the journey would change her life and care at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Yet as she departed, the key destination was not even on her itinerary…

Wrapped up against the cold, Jim and Liza Valavanis and their three children are pictured together in a snowy winter wonderland.

Life Through Sam’s Eyes: How Our Blind Son Helped Us See

What does it mean to be told your 12 week old baby has a rare eye cancer? Jim Valavanis shares his experience of first-time parenting, nearly five years of childhood cancer treatment, and Life Through Sam’s Eyes – the hope-filled book that emerged from his healing journey.

Quote and text in gold bevelled font below multi-coloured lights on a tree: “Happiness depends upon ourselves” – Aristotle.

12 Ways to be Happier in the New Year

New beginnings, hopes, dreams, possibilities, resolutions. January is an ideal time to explore how we can make our daily lives happier. Our volunteer CEO, Abby White, shares New Year greetings, tips for a happier 2018, and a personal message of change as the New Year begins.

Happy Holidays - red silhouette of Santa on sleigh pulled by reindeer, flying past the moon. Set on gold background – reflecting colours of the WE C Hope logo.

Season’s Greetings from WE C Hope

Season’s Greetings. Bright lights adorn trees, festive music cheers the soul, and gifts the world over bring joy to those we love. This is a special time for celebration and reflection, for coming together as a community, and sharing hope. Especially when a child has cancer…