Having medical procedures can be tough for children, especially when many are repeated during a long course of medical care. Though necessary, they do not need to be painful. Maria Sohail, child life intern and Masters Candidate in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care, explores a range of pain management strategies that can support a child’s mind and body comfort.
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.
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.
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.
When we are anxious or angry, we tense up and hold our breath, or breathe fast and shallow, further increasing stress. Slow, deep breathing almost instantly diffuses tension, helping us feel calm, clear-headed and in control. Abby White explores why our bodies react this way, and how we can use our breath to restore calm fast.
The final moments of the 7th One Rb World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, were dedicated to patients, families, and survivors, showcasing how empowering them can transform their individual experience and collective progress. Marissa D. Gonzalez, President of World Eye Cancer Hope USA, and Conference Event Chair, tells of the inspiring child life programming, and groundbreaking patient engaged-research building bridges of hope and healing for our retinoblastoma community worldwide.
As the 7th One Rb World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, reached its final hours, personal insights and global initiatives took center stage. Marissa D. Gonzalez, President of World Eye Cancer Hope USA, and Conference Event Chair, reflects on the collective mission to save lives, including The New York Times Opinion feature, “It Takes a Lifetime to Survive Childhood Cancer,” – and the story behind the article.
Day Three of the 7th One Rb World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, continued to inspire with an in-depth exploration of treatment pathways, survivor resilience, and global efforts to save lives. Marissa D. Gonzalez, President of World Eye Cancer Hope USA, and Conference Event Chair, shares highlights from the vital discussions and profound personal stories shaping a hopeful future for all affected by retinoblastoma.
Day Three of the 7th One Rb World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, was a powerful culmination of global community, collaboration, and hope. From early detection in rural communities to life-saving care, from child life to patient-led research, and more. Marissa D. Gonzalez, Conference Event Chair, shares highlights from the inspiring presentations, life-changing progress, and extraordinary stories that closed this remarkable event.
Continuing our review of Day Two at the 7th One Rb World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, we explore critical life-saving advancements in global retinoblastoma care. Marissa D. Gonzalez, President of World Eye Cancer Hope USA, and Conference Event Chair, delves deeper into the research developments, technological breakthroughs, collaborations, joyful child life, and uplifting survivor stories shaping a brighter future for all.
