When your child is diagnosed with retinoblastoma, your world can feel like it’s been turned upside down. But you’re not alone in this journey—there’s a wealth of retinoblastoma support available to help you and your family navigate these challenging times.
Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer affecting young children. It develops in the retina, and it’s typically diagnosed before age 5. There are about 300 diagnoses of retinoblastoma annually.
Treatment options include chemotherapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, radiation, or eye removal in severe cases. Like many forms of cancer, early detection is crucial for better outcomes.
In the shadows of medical research, rare childhood cancers silently plea for attention. Their young warriors are often fighting battles unseen and underfunded.
Thankfully, crowdfunding can help rally support for any cause. Keep reading to learn how families are starting fundraisers to get support for retinoblastoma expenses.
The Hidden Challenges Families Face When Battling Retinoblastoma
Families facing retinoblastoma confront challenges that go beyond what we can see on the surface. Specialized treatments often require travel to distant medical centers.
Pair this with high medical costs and lost wages, and it’s easy to see how the financial strain can become overwhelming… very, very quickly.
Emotionally, families grapple with stress and anxiety about their child’s health and future, while also managing the impact on siblings and extended family members.
Logistical hurdles include coordinating care between specialists, balancing household responsibilities, and arranging childcare during hospital stays.
Families must also navigate the healthcare system and advocate for their children. This can cause them to feel lonely and isolated.
By providing different types of retinoblastoma support—financial, emotional, and practical—we can help alleviate these burdens, allowing families to focus on their child’s health and well-being.
Crowdfunding often plays a vital role in connecting these families with retinoblastoma support resources and communities of people willing to help.
Real Crowdfunding Success Stories
AngeLink exists to connect you with a community of people who understand what you’re going through. Since September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we’d love to honor it by sharing the stories of two retinoblastoma fundraisers we’re proud to host on our platform.
The Kneller Family: A Vision of Hope
The Kneller family’s world changed when both their children, 2-year-old Thomas and 7-month-old Vivienne, were affected by a serious health crisis. Their journey began when they noticed something unusual in Vivienne’s eyes at just two months old. After months of doctor visits and specialists, their worst fears were confirmed: Vivienne was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer that starts in the retina.
The Knellers, originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, must travel to Philadelphia for specialized treatment.
Their AngeLink fundraiser, organized by a long-time friend, aims to raise $50,000 to help with medical expenses, travel costs, and lost wages. The community’s response has been heartwarming, with $25,265 already raised, showcasing the power of unity in times of need.
Princess Clare’s Philly Fund
Three-year-old Clare, affectionately known as “Princess Clare,” is another young warrior battling retinoblastoma. This vibrant little girl from Buffalo, New York, loves Barbies, Bluey, dancing, and the color pink.
Clare’s diagnosis has put her plans for dance class and gymnastics on hold as she and her parents now travel to Philadelphia every four weeks for treatment at Wills Eye Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience.
Clare’s AngeLink retinoblastoma support fundraiser, “Princess Clare’s Philly Fund,” aims to raise $15,000 to cover uncovered medical expenses, travel costs, accommodation, and food. The fundraiser has already gathered $12,310. The community has rallied support for Clare and her family, which includes two loving big brothers.
AngeLink’s Role in Uniting Communities
AngeLink, the world’s first social crowdfunding platform powered by women, brings communities together to support families like the Knellers and Clare’s.
These fundraisers are beacons of hope and solidarity for the families they help. They create ripple effects of kindness, inspiring others to contribute, share stories, and offer emotional support.
AngeLink’s user-friendly interface and social sharing features make it easy for people to get involved, whether through donations, spreading awareness, or starting their own fundraisers for similar causes.
This September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, has served as a reminder of the ongoing need for research, support, and funding in the fight against childhood cancers like retinoblastoma.
By providing a platform for these fundraisers, AngeLink helps individual families and contributes to the larger cause of childhood cancer awareness and support.
How You Can Support Children and Families Affected by Retinoblastoma
The journeys of the Kneller family and Princess Clare remind us of the impact community support can have. Every donation, share, and word of encouragement makes a difference in the lives of these families facing unimaginable challenges.
You can be part of this wave of support. Whether you can offer financial support, share their stories, or send positive thoughts their way, your involvement always matters.
Empower Your Cause with an AngeLink Fundraiser
Want to help a friend with cancer, raise money for breast cancer treatment of your own, or garner support for another cause?
Join our AngeLink community and experience the power of social crowdfunding designed with you in mind.
Asking for donations for medical expenses can feel challenging, but AngeLink makes it easier. Here’s what we can offer:
- Women-Powered Platform: As the world’s first social crowdfunding platform powered by women, AngeLink understands and caters to the 70% of organizers and donors who are women.
- Unparalleled Support: Benefit from our Customer Love Support, including 24/7 online assistance, toll-free phone support, and personalized thank-you emails to your donors.
- AI-Wizard™ Technology: Maximize your fundraiser’s impact with our AI-powered tool that helps craft emotionally engaging campaigns. Over 80% of fundraisers using AI-Wizard™ successfully raise funds!
- Trust and Security: Every campaign is reviewed to ensure safety and build trust within our community.
- Fun and Engaging Tools: Stand out on social media with our free promotional tools, virtual rewards, and our adorable Angel mascot.
- Giving Back: 1% of AngeLink’s net proceeds go to the AngeLink Community Foundation, supporting female-forward missions in education, entrepreneurship, and emergencies.
Don’t wait to make a difference. Join over 80,000 others who have chosen AngeLink to bring their dreams and needs to life. As one of the most trusted medical fundraising sites out there, we’d be honored to help you achieve your crowdfunding goals. Launch your retinoblastoma support fundraiser today and experience the power of a community that cares.