Tag Archive for: retinoblastoma

A hand reaches through the screen of a computer to hold the hand of the person standing in front of it. The person standing is reflected in the screen.

Social Media Support: 7 Ways to Respond Effectively, and Why Our Responses Matter

How we respond to one another in retinoblastoma support forums, and the information we share, can significantly impact patient care and outcomes. Abby White shares 7 ways we can respond positively to any social media request for help, to improve communication, support, and best care for the child/survivor and family.

A young teenage boy wearing glasses leans in towards a large computer screen on the desk in front of him. Text on the screen has been blurred for privacy. A smaller screen sits on his right, and an iPad can be seen to his right.

Online Learning Challenges and How to Help Kids with Vision-Loss Thrive

Children with vision loss from retinoblastoma need accommodations and extra support to access online learning and thrive in the virtual school world. Rb survivor and Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Jessica Givens, explores key challenges of online education, and the best ways to help children reach their potential in the virtual classroom.

A cream deconrated stone lays on a bed of grey stones. The word “Breathe” is written across the stone in flowing black script, accented with white dots. The portion of stone below the word is decorated with waves and water droplets in light, mid and dark blue, and mid green. They are all outlined in a series of tiny white dots.

Breathing for Wellness: Why Breath Matters, and 8 Ways to Breathe Out Stress

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.

Flood: “Once you hear the sentence “your child has cancer” it is a constant flood till the end of treatment. It’s a flood of emotions, flood of information, flood of doubts, but in the middle of the flood you look at your child and you find the strength to keep your head out of water to survive.” Jackie, Mother of a Rb fighter. Image to the right shows a black and white photo taken underwater of a submerged woman wearing a long, white, sleeveless dress. Her face is above the waterline as her feet appear to be paddling and her arms extend to the sides.

Alphabet of Hope: Rewriting the Future of Retinoblastoma Care

After a year of publishing the #FamilyInSight Alphabet of Hope, we bring you the complete collection of 2020 Entries. This is the third #AlphabetOfHope. WE C Hope CEO, Abby White looks back at the alphabet’s genesis, and the insight, wisdom and motivation this literary project brings to the retinoblastoma community.

The words “Thank You” are written in script on a dark red background infused with light, surrounded by glowing red, gold and white love hearts.

Happy Holidays from World Eye Cancer Hope!

2020 has been eventful and challenging for the whole world.  Throughout, WE C Hope has continued to serve, unite and advance our global retinoblastoma community. WE C Hope USA President and retinoblastoma survivor, Marissa Gonzalez, reflects on the year’s highlights with thanks, and shares some plans for the coming year.

Celebrating the Holidays with a Child in Treatment

The end of year Holidays are more important than ever when a child has cancer, but they can also bring extra burdens on top of intensive treatment. Child Life Specialist, Morgan Livingstone, offers advice on how to create a magical Holiday for the whole family when a child is in treatment, with self-care at the heart of thoughtful planning.

One Rb World 2020 Banner. Background shows the Ottawa skyline at sunset. Above the One Rb World logo, text reads: October 3-4, 2020, Ottawa, Canada (struckthrough text) | Virtual Conference. At the bottom of the image, text reads “Hosted By” followed by four logos of World Eye Cancer Hope, the Canadian Rb Society, Canadian Rb Research Advisory Board, and International Rb Consortium.

One Retinoblastoma World 2020: Inspiring Global Support, Research and Action.

In October, a diverse community of survivors, families and medical professionals came together at One Retinoblastoma World for two days of inspiring panels, research and calls to action.  WE C Hope USA President Marissa D. Gonzalez shares a recap of the fifth global conference, and her vision for next year’s event in Hawaii.

An abstract image of a child sitting on the floor, head on knees. The child sits in a shaft of blue light emanating from their laptop. Outlined hands emerge from the computer screen, pointing at the child.

Cyberbullying: What Is It? How Can We Handle It and Reduce the Risk?

Cyberbullying is becoming increasingly common, as we spend more time online, beginning at younger ages. Child Life intern, Shane Smith, explores the defining features of cyberbullies, what we can do to limit the risk of unwanted attention and protect our security online, and how we can handle cyberbullying and support affected children.

A young lady reclines in a hospital chair, holding a cute grey elephant with big eyes, while a nurse takes a blood sample from her arm.

How to Communicate with People Who are Blind or Vision Impaired – Part 3: Medical Care and Support

Most children with retinoblastoma and survivors have some degree of sight loss, and many experience awkward healthcare interactions as a result. This 3-part series shares survivor and parent tips for medical professionals working with people who are blind or vision impaired, Part 3 focuses on medical care and support.

A man wearing dark glasses walks with a woman along a road, guided by his cane and his hand at her elbow.

How to Communicate with People Who are Blind or Vision Impaired – Part 2: Assistance, Access and Technology

Most children with retinoblastoma and survivors have some degree of sight loss, and many experience awkward healthcare interactions as a result. This 3-part series shares survivor and parent tips for medical professionals working with people who are blind or vision impaired, Part 2 focuses on assistance, access and technology.