The First Alphabet of Hope
In 2012, for the first One Retinoblastoma World meeting in London, we produced a beautiful Alphabet of Hope, with insights and reflections from families affected by retinoblastoma around the world. Every 2 weeks throughout 2018, we shared via social media a word and accompanying thought from the Alphabet, to help raise awareness of different experiences through the retinoblastoma journey.
Perspectives shared through the Alphabet of Hope spoke to people who had no previous experience of childhood eye cancer, to family members, medical professionals and individuals with different personal experiences. It sparked conversation and gave a voice to subjects infrequently discussed.
As our sharing of the Alphabet of Hope drew to a close, we began to think about how different aspects of the retinoblastoma experience could benefit from this simple form of expression, and the possibility of beginning a new Alphabet in 2019. And so the Alphabet of Hope began to evolve.
Explore the Previous Alphabets of Hope
- 2018 (2012) – #AlphabetOfHope
- 2019 – #LifeBeyondRb
- 2020 – #FamilyInSight
- 2021 – #MindAndBody
- 2022 – #RbCare
The 2023 Alphabet – #RbResearch
Retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer in children. A complex cancer requiring specialist care, it has potentially lifelong impacts on the child and their entire family. Research focused on early diagnosis and referral, all aspects of medical and psychosocial care, and survivorship can improve the cancer experience, outcomes, and quality of life.
The #RbResearch Alphabet of Hope highlights key questions and realities for all who research this unique cancer or fund the research, who care for affected individuals, and advocate for best patient, survivor, and family care.
Please follow this year’s #AlphabetOfHope!
- Look out for the regular Alphabet posts shared on Twitter and our Facebook Page (both @wechope). We’d love to read your feedback and hear your experiences of #RbResearch as we share each letter – whether you are a parent, survivor, medical professional or researcher. Please join in the conversation on our social media throughout the year.
- Search for our posts using the hashtags #AlphabetOfHope and #RbResearch.
- Visit this page for all published letters and signposts to further resources on our website. You can navigate to the page quickly at wechope.org/alphabetofhope
The Current Letter
#RbResearch Alphabet of Hope 2023
Complete Text and Resources to Date
A
Access To Care is unequal globally, with poorer outcomes for children in low-resource settings. What are the main barriers to care, and how can optimal access to care be delivered, including in rural and remote communities?
Further Resources:
Access to Care is a top 10 research priority of the Canadian Retinoblastoma Research Advisory Board (CRRAB).
