Flood: “Once you hear the sentence “your child has cancer” it is a constant flood till the end of treatment. It’s a flood of emotions, flood of information, flood of doubts, but in the middle of the flood you look at your child and you find the strength to keep your head out of water to survive.” Jackie, Mother of a Rb fighter. Image to the right shows a black and white photo taken underwater of a submerged woman wearing a long, white, sleeveless dress. Her face is above the waterline as her feet appear to be paddling and her arms extend to the sides.

Alphabet of Hope: Rewriting the Future of Retinoblastoma Care

After a year of publishing the #FamilyInSight Alphabet of Hope, we bring you the complete collection of 2020 Entries. This is the third #AlphabetOfHope. WE C Hope CEO, Abby White looks back at the alphabet’s genesis, and the insight, wisdom and motivation this literary project brings to the retinoblastoma community.

The words “Thank You” are written in script on a dark red background infused with light, surrounded by glowing red, gold and white love hearts.

Happy Holidays from World Eye Cancer Hope!

2020 has been eventful and challenging for the whole world.  Throughout, WE C Hope has continued to serve, unite and advance our global retinoblastoma community. WE C Hope USA President and retinoblastoma survivor, Marissa Gonzalez, reflects on the year’s highlights with thanks, and shares some plans for the coming year.

One Rb World 2020 Banner. Background shows the Ottawa skyline at sunset. Above the One Rb World logo, text reads: October 3-4, 2020, Ottawa, Canada (struckthrough text) | Virtual Conference. At the bottom of the image, text reads “Hosted By” followed by four logos of World Eye Cancer Hope, the Canadian Rb Society, Canadian Rb Research Advisory Board, and International Rb Consortium.

One Retinoblastoma World 2020: Inspiring Global Support, Research and Action.

In October, a diverse community of survivors, families and medical professionals came together at One Retinoblastoma World for two days of inspiring panels, research and calls to action.  WE C Hope USA President Marissa D. Gonzalez shares a recap of the fifth global conference, and her vision for next year’s event in Hawaii.

A young lady reclines in a hospital chair, holding a cute grey elephant with big eyes, while a nurse takes a blood sample from her arm.

How to Communicate with People Who are Blind or Vision Impaired – Part 3: Medical Care and Support

Most children with retinoblastoma and survivors have some degree of sight loss, and many experience awkward healthcare interactions as a result. This 3-part series shares survivor and parent tips for medical professionals working with people who are blind or vision impaired, Part 3 focuses on medical care and support.

A man wearing dark glasses walks with a woman along a road, guided by his cane and his hand at her elbow.

How to Communicate with People Who are Blind or Vision Impaired – Part 2: Assistance, Access and Technology

Most children with retinoblastoma and survivors have some degree of sight loss, and many experience awkward healthcare interactions as a result. This 3-part series shares survivor and parent tips for medical professionals working with people who are blind or vision impaired, Part 2 focuses on assistance, access and technology.

Two small group discussions are taking place around separate tables.

How to Communicate with People Who are Blind or Vision Impaired – Part 1: General Meeting and Interaction

Most children with retinoblastoma and survivors have some degree of sight loss, and many experience awkward healthcare interactions as a result. This 3-part series shares survivor and parent tips for medical professionals caring for and working with people who are blind or vision impaired. Part 1 focuses on general meeting and interaction.

A female doctor wearing scrubs and a brightly coloured surgical cap sits at the head of a surgical table on which a baby is lying with a tube inserted in her mouth to control her breathing. In one hand, the doctor holds a device that shines a bright light onto the eye, and in the other, a small probe held over the eye. Cables from both are draped around her neck. Two doctors stand behind her, observing.

EUA Frequency During and After Retinoblastoma Treatment

Parents of children with retinoblastoma ask how often their child’s eyes should be examined under anaesthetic, and if schedules vary depending on type of eye salvage treatment. Abby White, in collaboration with a specialist from one leading US treatment center, helps to answer these important questions.

Marissa smiles as she holds a gold Kendra Scott jewelry box in her left hand and a One Retinoblastoma World 2017 program in her right hand. She is wearing a grey top and the Elisa Gold Triple Strand Necklace in Ivory Mother-of-Pearl. The necklace combines three chains with unique personalities and Kendra Scott’s iconic oval shape to create a layered look. The photo is taken outside, where a Stars and stripes flag is visible in the top right background.

Give Back This September with Kendra Scott

Our first virtual family event was a great success, with added sparkle from Kendra Scott jewelry. Please help us support more families by shopping at KendraScott.com on Sat 12 – Sun 13 September. They’ll donate to WE C Hope 20% of sales made using code GIVEBACK8400. Shine gold this September Childhood Cancer Month.

Eleni stands on a waterside path. A little distance behid her, a fountain shoots a tall jet of water high into the air.

Life After Enucleation: 8 Retinoblastoma Survivors Share Hope

Despite advances in eye saving therapy for retinoblastoma, removing a child’s eye remains the most common treatment worldwide. Rb survivor and WE C Hope CEO, Abby White, shares her perspective of life after enucleation, and experiences from seven fellow survivors, offering hope to parents facing the reality of enucleation.

A boy wearing a hospital gown lies in hospital bed. He is attached to many monitors and tubes, smiling and giving a thumbs up.

10 Things Parents Want You to Know About Retinoblastoma

Caring for a child with retinoblastoma and healthy siblings is a complex journey for parents, from before diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond. Rb Mom and WE C Hope USA director, Lori Banos, shares 10 key messages parents have for health care professionals, fellow parents and the wider community.