A group of about 20 children sit in several rows in a half-circle, each playing a colorful bongo drum. Several adults are interspersed among them, watching and helping. A lady at the front leads the whole group. Most of the children wear bright clothes, and some have light-up headbands, adding to the happy, festive atmosphere.

Retinoblastoma Family Days: Building Connection, Camaraderie, and Hope

When retinoblastoma changes everything, connection and understanding are vital. Family Days provide a soothing space for families and survivors to gather, share, and heal together. WE C Hope USA President, Marissa Gonzalez, and our blog curator, Abby White, explore how these special events foster community, joy, and hope across the retinoblastoma journey.

A young child and adult sit side by side at a wooden table, deeply focused on a photo book containing images of hospital environments. The child is holding a red crayon as if poised to take some kind of action as part of their orientation. The adult smiles with warmth and encouragement while pointing at something a photo, helping the child understand what to expect.

Transforming Paediatric Care: Child life in Low- and Middle-income Countries

Most children in low- and middle-income countries face hospitalization without the vital psychosocial support they need. WE C Hope’s Certified Child Life Specialist Morgan Livingstone shares how sustainable child life programs are transforming paediatric care in under-resourced settings. She explores the power of partnership, training, and local leadership in building sustainable child life services that meet unique community needs.

Rati puts on surgical gloves while her mum, Salome, and child life specialist Morgan look on. Both Rati and Morgan are wearing surgical masks. A medical play doll and various medical equipment are laid out beside Rati.

WE C Hope and Child Life: Bridging Gaps, Easing Trauma, Building Hope

Child life helps families cope with retinoblastoma care, reducing trauma, and building hope. Yet access remains limited worldwide. March is Child Life Month and the birthday of our beloved Rati, whose brief life inspired World Eye Cancer Hope. From her care in Canada to Kenya, One Rb World and beyond, WE C Hope CEO, Abby White, explores how child life became central to our mission.

A young boy is wrapped up in a hug from an Elmo character.

A Child With Cancer Is Much More Than A “Case”: Why Words Matter in Retinoblastoma Care and Awareness

Can the language we use impact patient well-being, conduct of research and care? WE C Hope CEO and retinoblastoma survivor, Abby White, explores the effect of scientists, doctors and reporters referring to retinoblastoma patients as “cases” rather than children, and how our One Rb World community helps create a foundation of care that nurtures complete well-being.

7 children co-create a group board game, supported by an adult. One of the children is adding to the board game with a marker

Child Life for All Ages: Empowering Children with Cancer to Thrive

Retinoblastoma is a challenging journey for children and their families, often deeply affecting emotional and physical well-being long after treatment ends. Tailored support enhances quality of life during cancer care and beyond. Rb survivor and WE C Hope founder, Abby White; and Child Life Specialist, Morgan Livingstone, explore how child life specialists empower children of all ages and their families to cope, heal, and thrive.

A table is covered with a large sheet of white paper featuring hand-drawn, decorative letters spelling out the words: One Retinoblastoma World 2024. The words are outlined in various colours and patterns, and the letters are intricately designed with stripes, flowers, polka dots, and googly eyes. On the table, a container holds colorful markers; sheets of stickers featuring tropical and fun designs, such as flowers, palm trees, animals, and beach items; large, playful googly eyes; hand-drawn outlines of children’s hands.

One Rb World 2024 Says “Mahalo” to the Retinoblastoma Community – Day Three | Page 4

The final moments of the 7th One Rb World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, were dedicated to patients, families, and survivors, showcasing how empowering them can transform their individual experience and collective progress. Marissa D. Gonzalez, President of World Eye Cancer Hope USA, and Conference Event Chair, tells of the inspiring child life programming, and groundbreaking patient engaged-research building bridges of hope and healing for our retinoblastoma community worldwide.

Pamela Paul stands at a light wooden podium against a black background. She wears a blue dress patterned with yellow, pink, and orange flowers.

Storytelling for Life: Global Solutions and Lifelong Care at One Rb World 2024 Day Three | Page 3

As the 7th One Rb World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, reached its final hours, personal insights and global initiatives took center stage. Marissa D. Gonzalez, President of World Eye Cancer Hope USA, and Conference Event Chair, reflects on the collective mission to save lives, including The New York Times Opinion feature, “It Takes a Lifetime to Survive Childhood Cancer,” – and the story behind the article.

Mark sits at a round table covered in a white tablecloth, He wears a black t-shirt and black glasses, and holds baby Lennox on his lap. Lennox wears a white t-shirt with green sleeves. A woman seated close by is smiling as she watches them together.

From Treatment to Triumph: Seeking Cure for All at One Rb World 2024 Day Three | Page 2

Day Three of the 7th One Rb World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, continued to inspire with an in-depth exploration of treatment pathways, survivor resilience, and global efforts to save lives. Marissa D. Gonzalez, President of World Eye Cancer Hope USA, and Conference Event Chair, shares highlights from the vital discussions and profound personal stories shaping a hopeful future for all affected by retinoblastoma.

10 adults smile together in front of a sign reading “Mahalo! One Retinoblastoma World”. Peggy and Michael are wearing black long-sleeve tops with dark wash jeans. Kirsten Ramos wears a blue shirt with light wash jeans. Jesse Berry wears a green dress with ruffles around the collar. Cat Paul and Joe Cox are wearing aqua-blue One Retinoblastoma World 2024 t-shirts featuring the conference logo and a design with palm trees, hibiscus, and waves. Victoria Danhakl wears a yellow and brown floral dress. And Roselle and Josh Castanon wear shirts with the slogan: I wear gold to support my daughter.

A Global Call to Action: Early Detection and Advocacy at One Rb World 2024 Day Three | Page 1

Day Three of the 7th One Rb World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, was a powerful culmination of global community, collaboration, and hope. From early detection in rural communities to life-saving care, from child life to patient-led research, and more. Marissa D. Gonzalez, Conference Event Chair, shares highlights from the inspiring presentations, life-changing progress, and extraordinary stories that closed this remarkable event.

Grace stands in front of a Hawaiian-themed backdrop of lush green foliage, flowers, fairy lights, and the word Aloha written in a glittery gold cursive font. She wears a beautiful floral dress in shades of pale pink, orange, and white. Her conference lanyard clearly shows her name badge, reading Grace Mbugua. She smiles broadly and holds a sign in each hand – one says: World Eye Cancer Hope - life and sight for every child. The other says: One Retinoblastoma World, Honolulu, Hawaii, October 15-17, 2024.

One Rb World 2024 Shines the Light on Life-Saving Care: Highlights from Hawaii Day Two | Page 2

Continuing our review of Day Two at the 7th One Rb World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, we explore critical life-saving advancements in global retinoblastoma care. Marissa D. Gonzalez, President of World Eye Cancer Hope USA, and Conference Event Chair, delves deeper into the research developments, technological breakthroughs, collaborations, joyful child life, and uplifting survivor stories shaping a brighter future for all.