Tag Archive for: WE C Hope

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A diverse group of children and adults pose together, smiling and relaxed, in a spacious hanger-like room. Directly behind them is a large, conical-shaped boilerplate capsule spacecraft, displaying the words "Apollo Missions". To the left is a small, white aircraft with a clear bubble canopy. To the right, a sizable rocket engine or booster is mounted high up so its intricate pipes and nozzles can be viewed from below. In the far background, part of a dark blue wall displays celestial bodies.

Mile High Moments at the Denver Retinoblastoma Family Weekend

Fifty retinoblastoma patients, survivors, and their family members joined World Eye Cancer Hope USA in February for three days of connection and fun in Colorado’s capital. Marissa D. Gonzalez, President and Founding Board Member or WE C Hope USA, shares highlights from the weekend, and why these gatherings are so important to our community.

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