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
The 2021 Alphabet – #MindAndBody
Life with retinoblastoma is tough! All three of our previous alphabets emphasize this very well. 2020 was an unbelievably rough year for the whole world, and continues to be so as COVID-19 remains with us. While serving the retinoblastoma community through this global pandemic, the majority of our international WE C Hope team have been, and continue to navigate significant personal challenges. Those of us living with lifelong effects of retinoblastoma are acutely aware of the need for self-care to reduce the risk of overwhelm and burnout, especially when the road is tough.
Our 2021 #AlphabetOfHope is a collection of our top tips to support mental and physical health. Launching on 4th January 2021, each letter entry will share one practical tip every two weeks. We will add signposts below to further reading with every new letter publication.
Please follow the 2021 #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 wellbeing tips for each letter. Please join in the conversation on our social media throughout the year.
- Search for our posts using the hashtags #AlphabetOfHope and #MindAndBody.
- Visit this page for all published letters and signposts to further resources. You can navigate to the page quickly at wechope.org/alphabetofhope
The Current Letter
#MindAndBody Alphabet of Hope 2021: Colmplete Text to Date
A
Ask Questions and Ask For Help, because you can’t and shouldn’t do this alone. We all need information and support to grow, to find our way through tough times, to weave our darker threads with beauty into the tapestry of life, and gain inner calm. Identify what you need, take steps to get the answers, and put supports in place for your own well-being.
A = Ask for Help - Further Resources
Ask for What You Need
People want to help but often aren’t aware their help is needed, or they don’t know how to offer or give help effectively. So reach out and ask for what you need. Don’t worry that people will be too busy or unable to assist. They may be, but let them decide.
Do you need a coach or mentor, training, specific practical assistance? Do you need to cut down your commitments or work hours so you can spend more time with family and friends or invest in self-care? Do you need someone to give you a daily hug or words of encouragement?
Explain honestly what you are feeling, specifically what you need, and how it will help you live with more peace. Then follow through to put the offered plan in place for your wellbeing. That first small ask is always the hardest step.
Further Reading: Living with Rb, Parents Section: Seek and Accept Help
Further Reading: How to Ask For Help
How to Ask for Help — And Get a “Yes”
How to Practice Emotional First Aid
Asking For Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
There’s No Shame in Taking Care of Your Mental Health
