Rachel Brennan

One Retinoblastoma World, Dublin 2016 – Part 1

The land of 100,000 welcomes warmly greeted our global childhood eye cancer community in October. Dublin enthusiastically hosted One Retinoblastoma World 2016, before the world congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology. A meeting of highly committed doctors, parents, survivors, researchers and advocates from six continents, focused on best care for everyone affected by retinoblastoma.

The image shows a candle wick apparently dancing within the light of the flame and the muted golden glow encircling it, fading into surrounding darkness. The superimposed quote reads: "Children with cancer are like candles in the wind who accept they are in danger of being extinguished by an unexpected gust, and yet, as they flicker and dance through the storm, their brilliance challenges the darkness and dazzles those of us who watch their light."

RAE of Hope – Raising Awareness & Empowerment

There’s a new RAE of Hope in the retinoblastoma world this September as we shine the light on childhood eye cancer. Thomas Reid is a survivor, father of a survivor and a Director of WE C Hope USA. The entire Reid Family dedicates Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to Raising Awareness and Empowerment as they help children, adult survivors and their families share their experience of retinoblastoma and how it has shaped their lives. Watch the RAE of Hope videos and be inspired.

We Mourn the Loss of Dr. Barrett Haik, a Great Rb Physician.

The retinoblastoma world lost a dedicated physician and friend on Friday, July 22nd. Dr Barrett Haik was a highly skilled ophthalmic surgeon, researcher, educator, mentor and fundraiser who cared deeply for the children, adults and families he treated. He led development of the ophthalmic oncology service at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and supported international outreach that has improved the lives of thousands of children with retinoblastoma across the USA and around the world.

Rati with her new eye during treatment in Canada.

Rati’s Hope-filled Legacy, Ten Years On

Today we celebrate Rati, the beautiful, bright, bubbly butterfly who came so briefly into our lives, changed us all so dramatically and inspired the foundation of WE C Hope. Ultimately, expert care came too late and we could not save her life. Rati had plans of her own though. She taught us to see and hear and understand the needs of families like her own, and she challenged us to do something to help change their experience of retinoblastoma.

Butterfly feeding from a cactus flower

The Cactus and the Butterfly: Advocating Best Care for America’s Children.

In early 2013, treatment was cancelled without warning for several Arizona children receiving care at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. No alternative plans were offered for essential life / sight saving therapy. The families approached Daisy’s Eye Cancer Fund for help. Read on to find out how we worked on their behalf to protect the children’s access to high quality on-going care.

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DIY Guide to Assess Medical Information and Research (Part 1)

Beautiful Rati During Treatment.

In Her Memory…

11 years ago, a new baby girl was born in Botswana. Four short years later, retinoblastoma claimed her life. Her name means love, and today, her legacy continues to build hope for other children around the world.

Childhood Cancer Day Awareness Flyer, a partnership of the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations (ICCCPO) and the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP).

Are You Child Cancer Aware?

The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat, often requiring less intense therapy and fewer invasive procedures that have lower cost physically, emotionally and financially. Awareness of childhood cancer is key to achieving early diagnosis, saving lives and limiting the burden of cancer treatment on the child, family and wider society.