Two hands reach up into the sky and appear to be holding the sun. The sky is a beautiful canvas of pink and purple hues.

The Gratitude Gap and 10 Ways to Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is potent self-care. In part 2 of our Gratitude deep-dive, Rb survivor Abby White explores “the gratitude gap” – a big challenge that’s easy to overcome when we know about it. Plus how this knowledge can help children develop gratitude skills early. And 10 varied ways to practice and strengthen gratitude year-round, during the Holidays, and even in hard times.

Damian lies on a hospital bed, wearing a blue t-shirt with a red and yellow Team Damian logo that resembles the brand of his hero, Spiderman. He is bald and is smiling at the camera.

Under-Treatment and Over-Treatment of Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma care is a complex balancing act.  Some children receive too little treatment, while others receive more than necessary, with potentially devastating results.  Sharing two children’s stories, Rb survivor Abby White explores what under- and over-treatment are, when they may happen, their consequences, and how we can prevent them.

A mother breastfeeds her baby while sitting on couch at home.

Breastfeeding When Your Child Has Retinoblastoma

Breastfeeding is one of the many decisions parents navigate when their baby or toddler has retinoblastoma. Paediatric nurse and child life specialist, Cindy Pilchuk, explores the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding through treatment, with practical tips for continuing or re-starting breastfeeding, weaning after diagnosis, maintaining milk supply, and comfort supports for both mother and child.

Fire Poppies – vibrant golden petals and green leaves brighten a scorched landscape.

8 Ways to Heal Survivor Guilt

Anyone affected by retinoblastoma can experience survivor guilt – child and adult survivors, siblings, parents, grandparents, and others. WE C Hope CEO and Rb Survivor Abby White concludes this four-part series on Survivor Guilt with 8 practical suggestions to help acknowledge, move through, and heal from the destructive emotions that fuel survivor guilt.

Understanding Survivor Guilt

Survivor guilt of some kind is an almost universal experience for individuals affected by retinoblastoma – survivors and siblings of all ages, parents, grandparents, and others. Continuing our four-part series on Survivor Guilt, WE C Hope CEO and Rb Survivor Abby White explores the causes, risk factors, and underlying emotions.

an anchor tethers a bright red hot air balloon floating in a grey sky.

7 Ways Retinoblastoma Families and Survivors Experience Survivor Guilt – part 2

Anyone affected by retinoblastoma can experience survivor guilt – survivors and siblings of all ages, parents, grandparents, partners, and others.  WE C Hope CEO and Rb Survivor Abby White continues to explore the many ways in which family members experience survivor guilt, and the potential impacts during treatment and throughout life.

A red butterfly is reflected in water as it hovers above, against a pale blue sky.

7 Ways Retinoblastoma Families and Survivors Experience Survivor Guilt – part 1

The life-changing experience of retinoblastoma can weave a legacy of survivor guilt that may affect anyone in the family – child and adult survivors, siblings, parents, grandparents, and others.  WE C Hope CEO and Rb Survivor Abby White highlights the many ways in which family members experience survivor guilt, and the potential impacts during treatment and throughout life.

A baby has a white pupil glow in the left eye, and healthy red reflex in the right eye.

If In Doubt, Check It Out: Common and Not-So-Common Signs and Symptoms of Retinoblastoma

Prompt investigation of signs and symptoms is vital to diagnose retinoblastoma early. Timely diagnosis provides the best opportunity to save a child’s life and sight.  For Retinoblastoma Awareness Week 2022, Rb Care Coordinator Sandra Staffieri explores the signs and symptoms that may lead to a diagnosis of childhood eye cancer.

A child life specialist distracts a child with an iPad game while he receives a vaccination. A fourth person is seen to the left of frame. All four are wearing face masks.

No Pain = Gain: How to Manage your Child’s Pain During Uncomfortable Experiences

Having medical procedures can be tough for children, especially when many are repeated during a long course of medical care. Though necessary, they do not need to be painful. Maria Sohail, child life intern and Masters Candidate in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care, explores a range of pain management strategies that can support a child’s mind and body comfort.

Marissa and her mother are smiling at the camera. Marissa is wearing a black and gold number 6 USC football jersey. Her mom is wearing a cardinal USC shirt. Behind them stands the statue of Tommy Trojan on the USC campus.

A Milestone Anniversary: Celebrating 30 Years Being Cancer Free

For many children and their families, eye cancer diagnosis begins a lifetime journey, with many twists and turns through treatment and long after being declared cancer free. World Eye Cancer Hope USA President Marissa D. Gonzalez reflects on three decades being cancer free from retinoblastoma, the journey of a cancer survivor, and the future with her cancerversary fundraiser.