Living with the daily effects of childhood eye cancer can be overwhelming, for all family members. Both the immediate crisis of diagnosis and treatment, and the long-term impacts and risks. Child Life Intern and Student Teacher, Meagan Fuller, highlights some simple mindfulness techniques parents and children can use to ease daily tension.
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.
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.
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.
Medical procedures can be stressful for children, often leading to fear, resistance, and lasting anxiety. Comfort Positions offer a simple and powerful way to ease distress, ensuring a safer, more supportive experience for children, caregivers, and medical teams. WE C Hope CEO, Abby White, and Child Life Specialist, Morgan Livingstone, explore how comfort positioning transforms medical care, fostering trust, cooperation, and emotional well-being.
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.
Retinoblastoma is a challenging journey for children and their families, often deeply affecting emotional and physical well-being long after treatment ends. Tailored support enhances quality of life during cancer care and beyond. Rb survivor and WE C Hope founder, Abby White; and Child Life Specialist, Morgan Livingstone, explore how child life specialists empower children of all ages and their families to cope, heal, and thrive.
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.
