Retinoblastoma Reigns in Rio: Global Collaboration, Research, and Hope at ISOO 2026

Monday May 11, 2026

Retinoblastoma took center stage March 17-21, 2026 when 500 ocular oncologists, allied professionals, and patient advocates gathered on the shores of Rio de Janeiro for the International Society of Ocular Oncology conference.  Marissa D. Gonzalez, President and Founding Board Member of World Eye Cancer Hope USA, shares highlights and reflections from four days of community, collaboration, and progress.

Three women stand on the pitch of a soccer stadium, smiling broadly as they hold a large Brazil flag up in front of themselves. The woman on the left is white with long black hair, black sunglasses, and tattoos, wearing a white blouse, black skirt, and white sneakers. The woman in the middle is white with long brown hair. Her orange tank top blouse and black sneakers are visible above and below the flag. The woman on the left is Hispanic with purple curly hair and black sunglasses resting on her head. She wears a black tennis dress and white sneakers. They stand on bright green grass with thousands of blue stadium seats rising in the background.

WE C Hope Executive Board Members Rachel Paulos, Marissa Gonzalez, and Kat Garrison visited the famous Maracanã Football Stadium while in Rio.

White sands of Le Blond and crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean were mere steps from the 2026 International Society of Ocular Oncology (ISOO) conference venue. The program spanned four days, focused on retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, intraocular tumors, ocular surface tumors and more.

With the white sands of Le Blond and crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean mere steps from the conference venue, the 2026 International Society of Ocular Oncology (ISOO) conference spanned four days, focused on retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, intraocular tumors, ocular surface tumors and more. The event combined Brazilian flair with its social engagements that culminated in a traditional White Carnival Party.

St. Jude Global – Visionary Partnership for Worldwide Retinoblastoma Care

Matt Wilson, M.D., Chief of the Ophthalmology Division at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Susan Ybarra, Program Coordinator of the St. Jude Global Retinoblastoma Transversal Program, led an engaging first day focusing on the global partnerships in retinoblastoma. A diverse range of presentations included aspects of retinoblastoma in Honduras, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, Italy, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, Israel, Switzerland, and the United States of America, allowing us to get a closer look into treatments, challenges and successes from across the globe.

During Susan’s presentation, “Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines,” she touched on the collaboration between St. Jude Global, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Pan American Health Organization. They share the goal of achieving “at least a 60% survival rate for children with cancer globally, and [reducing] suffering for all [by 2030]”.

Susan expanded on the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), noting that “80% of GICC countries requested action on improving access to childhood cancer medicines”, with major challenges including “availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality.”

She explained that St. Jude Global uses a phased approach over five years, including three phases – Development, Pilot, and Growth. They “allow time to build necessary infrastructure, and test and refine processes and systems for scalability, with an initial investment of $200M” across the program.

Using this method, they have had the highest impact in El Salvador, Ecuador, Senegal, Ghana, Zambia, Moldova, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Mongolia. A child with retinoblastoma in these countries is more likely to survive today when their parent sees a white glow that leads to a diagnosis because of better access to specialist treatment and support.

In a large conference room, a small group of people dressed in business formal attire are seated around a table, deep in conversation. They each hold packets of paper. Another group is in conversation behind them. Soft, ambient lighting is enhanced by a warm violet uplight glow bathing the walls to the left.

WE C Hope Board Members attended a workshop where they discussed with medical professionals what to consider in unique medical case studies.


Our friend and colleague, Megan Webber, Co-Founder of the nonprofit organization KnowTheGlow, gave an overview of their early detection and awareness campaigns in low- and middle-income countries around the world. Their campaigns have been translated into various major and local languages, increasing accessibility in rural communities.

KnowTheGlow aims to educate the public about leukocoria – also known as “the glow” – which can indicate over 20 different blinding eye conditions.

Two women sit in foldable beach chairs in front of a large step and backdrop that pictures a sandy Brazilian beach with palm trees, umbrellas, a faraway city, and mountains. The words ISOO Rio 2026 Sheraton Hotel – Rio de Janeiro; March 17-21, 2026 are written in blue, green, and yellow at the top center of the panel. The woman on the left is white with brown hair, and wears a blue and black dress. The woman on the right is white with short blond hair and wears a navy blue tank top and white pants. Both ladies hold a blue and white life ring and smile broadly.

Marissa Gonzalez and KnowTheGlow Co-Founder Megan Webber enjoy the beach-themed ISOO Rio photo booth!


In the afternoon, participants broke into small working groups to discuss unique case studies from different countries. My working group had a case from Honduras, presented by Ligia Fu, M.D. and Francisco Alfredo Santos Dacarett, M.D., who work in different hospitals within Honduras. Learning about the collaboration between their centers was inspiring – they share knowledge, review cases, and work together for the best outcomes for children diagnosed with Rb in their country.

They also work in tandem with doctors in Guatemala, and even send some children there for specialist treatments that aren’t available in Honduras.

Two women smile directly ahead. The woman on the left has long brown hair and wears a blue dress with a black chevron pattern, silver hoop earrings, and thin silver necklaces. She holds a red and white long guiding cane in one hand. The woman on the right has short black hair and red square glasses, she wears a white and blue blouse with black dress pants, and carries a red checkered shoulder bag. She is holding a book titled Stormy’s Brave Beginning, which has an illustration of a gray cat with one eye on the cover. In the background, people are chatting in small groups.

Ligia Fu, M.D. from Honduras and Marissa Gonzalez share the story of a one-eyed cat in the children’s picture book, “Stormy’s Brave Beginning“.

Retinoblastoma Day Spotlights innovation, Research, and Clinical Care

The second day of programming brought case studies, new research and Rb treatment advancements to the forefront. Engaging question and answer time followed each panel, allowing speakers to further elaborate on their presentations.

Topics included:

  • Intra-Arterial Therapeutics.
  • Intravitreal Chemotherapy.
  • High-Dose Topotecan.
  • Advanced vs. Non-Advanced Retinoblastoma.
  • Trilateral Retinoblastoma.
  • Metastatic Retinoblastoma to the Central Nervous System.
  • Histopathology.
  • Treatment Outcomes of Extra-Ocular Disease.
  • Liquid Biopsy for Retinoblastoma.
  • Genetic Newborn Screening for Retinoblastoma.
  • Precision Medicine.
  • Molecular Biomarkers in Retinoblastoma.

Many of these topics will also be featured at the One Retinoblastoma World Conference this September in San Antonio, Texas.

In a large conference room, a diverse audience in business attire applauds during a presentation. Laptops and notebooks are open on the long tables in front of each seated row, and soft overhead lighting fills the space. At the back of the room, bright light streams in through an open doorway, and a camera tripod stands next to it.

A glimpse into an ISOO conference room.

Leadership, Mentoring, and Impact on the Menu at the Women in Ocular Oncology Lunch

Women in Ocular Oncology (WOO) was founded in 2013 by Jesse L. Berry, M.D. when she attended the ISOO Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. The mission of Women in Ocular Oncology is to “support and promote opportunities for mentorship and growth of women in the field of ocular oncology through academic collaboration, networking and fellowship among members”.

The luncheon panel included four leaders in the field: Priscilla Ballalai, Ph.D., Ocular Oncologist at Oftalmofurman Clinic in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and ISOO Rio Co-President; Carol Karp, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida; Maria Manquez, M.D., Ophthalmologist and Ocular Oncologist at Clinica 2020 in Santiago, Chile; and Kahaki Kimani, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Nairobi in Kenya.

Dr. Kahaki Kimani discusses the importance of for medical professionals in the retinoblastoma space taking recovery time for themselves after emotionally taxing experiences.


The panel was moderated by One Rb World Scientific Committee Member Maura Di Nicola, M.D. who is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Reflecting on the success and meaning of the WOO lunch, Maura said, “Bringing together women in ocular oncology for an open, honest conversation about visibility and leadership was both energizing and essential, not only for our professional growth, but also for the patients we serve.

“Strengthening these skills allows us to advocate more effectively, lead with greater impact, and help shape systems of care that truly reflect our patients’ needs. The luncheon created a space to share experiences, exchange strategies, and build confidence, all with the understanding that when we are empowered to lead, patient care is stronger, more compassionate, and more equitable.”

Child Life Shines at ISOO Rio

WE C Hope’s Global Child Life Director, Morgan Livingstone, led a poster presentation about the importance of Child Life titled, “From Fear to Comfort: Child Life Interventions for Infants Undergoing Retinoblastoma Treatment”.

Morgan’s talk and accompanying photos explained comfort positions and how parents can utilize them during treatment, including eye drops, anesthesia, and needle procedures. She also focused on the importance of medical play, which allows children to familiarize themselves with medical materials such as sedation masks, IV tubes, ophthalmoscopes, and prosthetic eyes.

For parents, Child Life promotes the “sharing of detailed information regarding treatment, parent presence during procedures, education of how to provide support to their baby, validation of feelings and fears, and one-on-one clinic sessions with parents”.

Two men listen attentively to a woman as she speaks into a microphone. All three wear black over-ear headphones linked to the microphone in Morgan’s hand. Dr. Williams is a black man with short black hair. He wears a black suit with a white dress shirt. Dr. Daniels is a white man with short brown hair. He wears a black suit with a light blue dress shirt and purple tie. Morgan Livingstone is a white woman with long white blond hair. She wears a blue dress with orange and red flowers. A bright sky and foliage are seen through a large window behind the men.

Dr. Basil Williams and Dr. Anthony Daniels listen to Morgan Livingstone present our poster “From Fear to Comfort: Child Life Interventions for Infants Undergoing Retinoblastoma Treatment.”


My mother, Marty Gonzalez, shared with the attendees:

“when my daughter underwent treatment for retinoblastoma in the 1980s, there were no Child Life Specialists to guide me on how to comfort Marissa. She had difficulty with the sedation mask, oftentimes removing it from her face and throwing it on the floor.

“If someone like Morgan had been there to encourage the anesthesiologist and medical care team, I believe some of the trauma she experienced could have been alleviated. As a single mother, I could have greatly used coaching on expressing and discussing this difficult situation, both internally and with my child.”

Three men and six women in business attire gather in a sunny conference room. They stand in front of a screen displaying the text ISOO Rio 2026 in blue, green, and yellow. The happy group and the room’s white and tan décor are bathed in soft, natural light from a large picture window.

Marissa and Morgan celebrate their presentation “From Fear to Comfort: Child Life Interventions for Infants Undergoing Retinoblastoma Treatment” with some of the session attendees.

Brazilian Parents in Action for Early Detection

During my time at ISOO Rio I had the pleasure of meeting Daiana and Tiago Leifert, parents of Rb survivor, Lua. They are strong advocates for retinoblastoma, raising awareness among families throughout Brazil with their campaign “De Olho nos Olhinhos,” which translates to: “Keep an Eye on the Little Eyes.”

Well-known journalists and celebrities in Brazil, the Leiferts have conducted awareness campaigns at fútbol stadiums, on television, in magazines and newspapers, and on public buses. They have also distributed flyers with photos and explanations of the glow in six million packages of diapers.

Three people stand together, smiling. In the middle, a white woman with long brown hair wears a blue and black dress. A man and woman stand to her left and right. Both are white with blond hair, and wear blue jeans and matching white shirts bearing the Portuguese words De Olho nos Olhinhos in blue. The woman holds a copy of the children’s picture book, Stormy’s Brave Beginning, with an illustration of a gray cat with one eye on the cover. Behind them, spotlighting illuminates neutral décor.

Connecting with retinoblastoma parents Tiago and Daiana Leifert, founders of the “Keep an Eye on the Little Eyes” awareness campaign for retinoblastoma.

Building Rio Momentum in San Antonio – Come Join Us!

Nearing the end of her tenure as ISOO President, Dr. Berry remarked about the conference:

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve on the board of the International Society of Ocular Oncology for nearly a decade, culminating in my presidency at our global meeting in Brazil. To witness nearly 500 ocular oncologists from around the world come together – despite significant global challenges – to share science, advance patient care, and support one another is a powerful reminder of the strength and purpose of this community.”

Dr. Berry sits cross-legged in a white leather chair on stage, holding notes and a microphone. She wears a white blouse and pants with a navy-blue jacket. Her ISOO lanyard is adorned with a World Eye Cancer Hope pin and St. Jude Retinoblastoma Program pin. She is illuminated by the glow from a large screen filling the background, on which the ISOO 2026 conference branding is partially visible.

Dr. Jesse L. Berry moderates a panel addressing Intraocular Trepidations.

Dr. Jesse L. Berry, Morgan Livingstone, Marissa Gonzalez, and Dr. Maura Di Nicola are getting excited for One Rb World 2026!


The WE C Hope team had an incredible time learning from our global community, and especially enjoyed reconnecting with friends and colleagues.

We sincerely hope to see many of you at the One Retinoblastoma World 2026 Conference in San Antonio, Texas this September, where many of these conversations, and the human connection we all value, will continue.

Please join us from Saturday, September 12 – Monday, September 14.

Find Out More and Register Now for One Rb World 2026!
Four white women stand together, smiling directly ahead. On the left, a woman with white blond hair wears a long, flowing brown dress. To her right, a woman with brown hair wears black glasses and a knee-length blue dress with white flowers. Beside her, a woman with blond wavy hair wears a long black and pink chevron dress and holds a wine glass. On the far right, a woman with brown curly hair wears a long yellow, brown, and pink dress and also holds a wine glass. They are in a bright indoor venue. Behind them, people dressed in formal and semi-formal attire stand in small groups among vibrant potted plants. Their chatter and laughter creates a lively, celebratory atmosphere.

Morgan Livingstone, Marissa Gonzalez, Susan Ybarra, and Dr. Jesse L. Berry enjoy the ISOO Gala Dinner at the historic Jockey Club Brasileiro.

About the Author

Marissa Gonzalez resides in Southern California and is an event director. She is a founding board member, and current President of World Eye Cancer Hope USA, and was Event Chair for the One Retinoblastoma World Conference in 2017 and 2021. In her downtime, Marissa enjoys travelling and going to Disneyland.

NYT Opinion | It Takes A Lifetime to Survive Childhood Cancer.

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Marissa wears a pistachio green sundress and smiles broadly. The background is a beach scene with blue ocean under a clear sky and people sitting in chairs under deep blue parasols.NYT Pic

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