Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a type of cancer that affects newborns. It occurs when the cells in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, grow uncontrollably. Retinoblastoma is so rare that per one million people there are 3.3 cases.
Statistics courtesy of Cleveland Clinics
About Me.
Whether it is in your teens or when you're just born, every kid has something that they struggle with. It may be an academic struggle or a personal struggle; mine was cancer. When I was born, I was a healthy child or at least everyone thought I was. In my right eye, in front of the optic nerve, something sinister was brewing. A tumor started to develop which was caused by one cell that did not stop growing when I was born. As the tumor grew it became clearer to my parents that something was wrong.
My mother first noticed the tumor in the photographs she was taking. Every time she took a photo with the flash, the tumor would reflect as a bright white circle in my right eye. After multiple photos with the same results, my parents, with concern, took me to the doctor's office. After the doctor said that there was nothing wrong and it was just a strange light reflection they did suggest a specialist could take another look. After consulting with the specialist my parents were given the news that their seemingly healthy child had Retinoblastoma, a type of cancer that affects newborns and develops in the retina of the eye. After hearing the heartbreaking news my treatment started. Following multiple chemotherapy and laser treatments as well as several surgeries I was cured, however, it was too late to save the sight in my right eye. There is always a silver lining, my left eye now has better than 20/20 vision to compensate for the lack of vision in my right eye.
This affects every part of my daily life. Whether it is on the field or in the classroom, I have to adapt. On the soccer field, I prefer to play on the right-hand side because my left eye has an increased field of vision which helps me see the field better, track the ball, and look for opportunities to pass to teammates. Another skill I have developed on the soccer pitch is skillfully turning my head, checking my shoulders to see who is behind me, and analyzing the situation. In the classroom, I prefer to sit on the right-hand side of the room so that I can see what the teacher is writing and participate in the class better. Retinoblastoma is so rare that during annual checkups with my eye doctor I also am examined by medical students to help with their understanding the visual appearance and rarity of Retinoblastoma to help future patients and children. This experience has taught me that everyone has challenges and we must adapt to overcome these challenges and persevere.
