Tag Archive for: childhood eye cancer

A young child sits calmly on a white chair, he is holding a light up distraction toy in his right hand, and his left hand is supported by his mother who is behind him. A medical team member with white gloves on is placing a brannula for intravenous access near the wrist of his left hand.

It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: How to Make Needle Procedures Kinder for Kids

Routine blood tests and immunizations often cause pain and fear. Retinoblastoma screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care involves countless needle procedures. It doesn’t have to hurt! Parents and professionals can bring comfort and calm to any needle procedure. Rb survivor and WE C Hope founder, Abby White; and Child Life Specialist, Morgan Livingstone, explore practical, evidence-based ways to reduce needle pain and support healthy coping for babies and children.

Read more
A large group of people, diverse in age, ethnicity, and background, gather in a large conference room. Some sit at large round tables while others stand together in the back of the room. They are smiling and some offer hand gestures of strength, victory or peace.

7th SoCal Rb Family Day Grows a Resilient Community Where No One Faces Retinoblastoma Alone

In September 2025, 140 survivors, patients, family members, friends and medical professionals gathered at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for the 7th Southern California Rb Family Day, sharing laughter, tears, and powerful solidarity. WE C Hope USA President and Founding Board Member, Marissa D. Gonzalez, reflects on this transformative day filled with love and light, and the hope and healing nurtured in community.

Read more
A fuzzy, brown teddy bear sits on a table with a blue table cloth. The bear has red and black plaid feet, a cream snout, black eyes, a brown nose, and a black smile. A nasograstric tube and a gastrostomy tube are inserted, and an IV pole and IV fluids are seen to the side. Behind the bear is a teddy bear sized hospital bed and a green curtain.

Play – The Key Ingredient to Pediatric Medical Care

Play is the language, university, and business of childhood. Medical play is a key part of child-focused health care, helping young patients learn, reduce fear, and take part in their care. Sophie Goldberg, child life intern and student of Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care, explores what medical play is, and how you can use it to empower your child through their medical experiences.

Read more

The Informed Parent: 6 Tips for Staying Up to Date in a Social Media World

Google, AI, and social media play an increasingly significant role in the lives of families affected by retinoblastoma, but without careful use, they can complicate a child’s medical care and even put life at risk. Dr. Jesse Berry shares her recommendations for being a safely informed, engaged parent advocate in the modern hyper-connected age.

Read more
a baby plays with an anaesthetic mask

7 Ways Caregivers Can Support Infant Mental Health during Cancer Care.

Infants experience a wide range of emotions, the depths of which are just beginning to be understood. Morgan Livingstone CCLS discusses how the external environment influences infant mental health, and the varied ways parents and medical professionals can help babies cope and thrive through medical interventions.

Read more
Children’s program volunteer, Bethany, sits crisscross on the floor and holds a green stuffed animal out to two children. Linden kneels and places eye drops in the stuffed animal’s eyes while Myra and Bethany smile and watch.

Our Retinoblastoma Community Shines in the Golden City

Childhood eye cancer and its lifelong impacts can overwhelm and isolate – connecting with others who understand is vital for healing. On May 3rd, 2025, 40 young patients, survivors, families and friends gathered to celebrate and support the amazing Rb community in Northern California. Bethany Folks, WE C Hope USA Executive Assistant and Event Volunteer, reflects on a wonderful afternoon with Rb families in the Bay Area.

Read more
A young girl with a dressing over one eye sits on her mother's lap, while a medical professional crouches so his face is level with hers. He offers his open hands to her, palms up. All three people are African.

How to Advocate for Child Life Support in Your Child’s Medical Care

Parenting children through retinoblastoma is tough.  Being their chief advocate is one of your most important roles throughout their cancer experience.  Rb Survivor and WE C Hope CEO, Abby White, discusses why parents and caregivers should advocate for child life support, how to ask for child life services, and how to work effectively with child life professionals for the best outcomes.

Read more
Two adult hands rest on each side of a baby's headm in the middle of a massage stroke. The baby has a restful expression, and the backgroud is a calming lavender.

7 Infant Massage Tips for Improved Summer Sleep

Hot weather and changing holiday routines – summer can be unsettling for babies and young children. Add retinoblastoma to the mix, and achieving good sleep at this time of year can be very hard for affected children and siblings. Morgan Livingstone CCLS explains how infant massage can help, offering specific practical ways to improve sleep during sultry summer months, whether or not a child is receiving cancer care.

Read more
A group of about 20 children sit in several rows in a half-circle, each playing a colorful bongo drum. Several adults are interspersed among them, watching and helping. A lady at the front leads the whole group. Most of the children wear bright clothes, and some have light-up headbands, adding to the happy, festive atmosphere.

Retinoblastoma Family Days: Building Connection, Camaraderie, and Hope

When retinoblastoma changes everything, connection and understanding are vital. Family Days provide a soothing space for families and survivors to gather, share, and heal together. WE C Hope USA President, Marissa Gonzalez, and our blog curator, Abby White, explore how these special events foster community, joy, and hope across the retinoblastoma journey.

Read more
Tree of Life - thr trunk of the tree is a DNA double helix

How DNA and Genetic Knowledge Changes Lives: the impact of genetic testing for five families affected by retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma genetics are complex.  Their implications for medical care can be confusing for families and professionals alike.  For World DNA Day, Rb survivor and WE C Hope co-founder / CEO, Abby White, considers the central importance of DNA and genetic knowledge in caring for the child and family, during treatment and throughout life.

Read more