View along a vast valley under a dramatic sky. On the left, rocks are strewn in the foreground, and steep rugged hills lie in shadow. Sunlight breaks through dark clouds above, illuminating the verdant valley floor and rolling green hills beyond. A lush oak tree stands prominently in the foreground, its canopy festooned with childhood cancer gold ribbons. A meandering path leads up to the tree and continues into the distance, following the contours of the hills into the misty brightening distance.

Screening for Familial Retinoblastoma and Related Second Primary Cancers

Familial retinoblastoma affects more than one person in a family, and individuals with a heritable RB1 gene mutation have increased cancer risk throughout life. Finding cancer early is vital for the best treatment and outcomes. Revisiting blogs from ocular oncologist Alison Skalet M.D. PhD, and WE C Hope CEO / Rb Survivor, Abby White, we explore screening for high-risk individuals at all stages of life.

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A black and silver compass tipped on its side facing the camera. The compass is sitting on top of an open paper map that extends out behind it out of focus.

Referral for Possible Retinoblastoma or Second Primary Cancer

Many parents and survivors report signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma and related second cancers to primary care providers. Prompt referral is vital for timely diagnosis and optimal treatment. WE C Hope CEO Abby White explores who needs referral and when, and the key elements of an effective referral process – for children with possible eye cancer, and survivors throughout life.

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One Retinoblastoma World: A New Realm of Discovery

When Retinoblastoma Care Co-ordinator Sandra Staffieri left Australia in August 2012 for a conference in Italy and a tour of Rb 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, One Rb World, the key destination on her trip, was not even on her itinerary. 12 years later, the impact of that trip continues…

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A young boy sits on his mother’s lap and next to his father while having an eye exam. Both parents help to keep him calm and still. An orthoptist sits about arm’s length away, holding an ophthalmoscope up to her own eye to observe the child's eyes. In her other hand, she holds a brightly coloured rattler toy, encouraging the child to look at her. The ophthalmoscope’s powerful light illuminates the child’s eyes in the dimly lit room. A Snellen chart also glows on the wall behind the family.

Early Detection Saves Lives: Primary Care, Retinoblastoma, and Second Cancers

Primary care providers are pivotal in the timely diagnosis of retinoblastoma and related second cancers.  They are usually the first contact for parents and survivors concerned about signs and symptoms.  WE C Hope CEO Abby White explores their key role, the challenges they face in recognizing signs and securing a swift referral, and the need for education targeting primary care providers.

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Ohana: The Beating Heart of One Retinoblastoma World 2024

Though small and far-flung, our global retinoblastoma family stands strong together. Members of WE C Hope USA’s Board of Directors and past One Rb World participants explain how this conference unites us and strengthens ohana. In trial, grief, hope, and triumph, we share and learn from our collective experience, support one another, and strive to care for all.

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Close-up image of a young African child wearing a cartoon pattern t-shirt, looking directly at the camera. The child's left eye has a noticeable white glow. Over the softly focused background, white text reads What if their eye is telling you something? Below a horizontal golden line is the gold KNOW THE GLOW® logo and the text PREVENT CHILDHOOD BLINDNESS. In the bottom right corner are the Kenyan flag and crests of the government and Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.

Gut Feelings Matter: How Parent Instinct and Intuition Detect Childhood Eye Cancer Early

Strong parent instinct and intuition often lead to a child’s eye cancer diagnosis. Rb Survivor and WE C Hope CEO, Abby White explores what they are and how they differ, why they are so important for retinoblastoma early detection, why primary care providers should take them seriously, and how they impacted the diagnosis journey of four children.

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Close-up of a young African boy smiling broadly. He has short hair and wears a blue tank top. The background is blurred with warm, earthy tones. Overlaying text reads: A photo can identify cancer in a child’s eye. Below a horizontal golden line is the gold KNOW THE GLOW® logo and the text PREVENT CHILDHOOD BLINDNESS. In the bottom right corner are the Kenyan flag and crests of the government and Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.

Pearls of Light: The Pathway to Retinoblastoma Early Detection

Early diagnosis of retinoblastoma saves children’s lives, and offers the best opportunity for safe vision saving therapy. But worldwide, many children are diagnosed late. KnowTheGlow founder, Megan Webber, and WE C Hope USA President, Marissa D. Gonzalez discuss how our early detection partnership evolved, and update on the progress we’re making for children in Africa and Asia.

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A large, diverse group of people pose together in a conference room. Most are dressed in smart casual attire. Many are smiling and waving at the camera, and those in the centre are holding a large banner that reads "One Retinoblastoma World". A large world map features on the wall behind the group. At the front, two ladies sit close together holding a plush elephant with removable eye between them. The elephant is bedecked in red, white and blue flowers.

Laulima: Many Hands, One Retinoblastoma World

Laulima signifies the power of cooperation, teamwork and collective effort.  This Hawaiian concept of many hands striving together drives the One Rb World conference, taking place in Honolulu this October.  Members of our 2024 conference team explain how laulima inspires their work for this global community, united to advance retinoblastoma care for all.

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Three young girls sit one behind the other as they enjoy riding together down a slide. The girl at the back has curly brown hair and wears a light pink sweater. The middle girl has blonde hair and wears a light purple shirt. The girl in front has light brown hair, wears a pink top, and holds a plaid cushion. They are surrounded by green foliage and trees in the background. The sun creates halos around their hair as it blows with their movement down the slide, and blue sky is seen in the top right corner, beyond the trees..

Bridging the Gaps: How Community and Shared Responsibility Create the Best Retinoblastoma Care

Being the parent of a child with retinoblastoma, or living with the effects of this cancer every day, can be a frustrating experience. With an emphasis on our year-long theme of early diagnosis, we look at some of the challenges facing our retinoblastoma world, and for each, three ways we can work together to advance care for everyone.

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A young African boy with short, curly black hair and a big, cheerful smile looks directly at the camera. He's wearing a cosy knitted blue sweater over a white collared shirt, and His right arm is flexed in a gesture of strength. The pupil of his right eye has a prominent pearly glow. Overlaying the wooden fence background, bold white text states "NO CHILD SHOULD DIE FROM UNDETECTED EYE CANCER." Below is a horizontal golden line. In the bottom left corner, the gold "KNOW THE GLOW®" logo is followed by the text "PREVENT CHILDHOOD BLINDNESS" in a smaller font. In the bottom right corner are the Kenyan flag and crests of the government and Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.

Between Shadow and Light: Young Lives in Jeopardy from Retinoblastoma

Worldwide, children and their families grapple with life-threatening eye cancer due to delayed diagnosis and care. Unchecked, retinoblastoma has far-reaching consequences. Through two family stories, WE C Hope CEO Abby White explores the impacts of low awareness, slow referral, and delayed care, and the life-saving, sight-saving opportunities they reveal.

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