We’re pretty sure that you’ve heard of the different Ribbon Campaigns that are prevalent today – Pink Ribbon for Breast Cancer, Red Ribbon for AIDS, Black for Melanoma and many more! But have you heard of the White Ribbon Campaign?
Alright, we’ll tell you!
The White Ribbon Campaign is an initiative by the Sankara Eye Hospital to sensitize people about Retinoblastoma.
What is Retinoblastoma you ask? We’ll tell you about that too!
Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that usually develops during early childhood, typically before the age of 5. This form of cancer develops in the retina – the specialized light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that detects light and colour. Retinoblastoma is curable when it is diagnosed early. If not treated promptly, it can spread to other parts of the body, and at an advanced stage, be life-threatening.
Sankara Eye Hospital, a not-for-profit organization, has so far treated over 150 children suffering from this form of cancer, for free. These good folks wanted to do something special for these children, and when better to do this than on World Retinoblastoma Day!
On May 14, 2014, Sankara Eye Hospital, along with Little More Love and the Compassionate Clowns commemorated this day of global retinoblastoma awareness by celebrating the victory over this form of cancer with 15 survivors and their parents, at Cubbon Park.
A day of interaction, games, fun and laughter awaited all of us. We could not have been more thrilled and honored to spend the day with real-life cancer survivors! These children won, what is probably the greatest battle that humanity has been fighting, at such a tender age! Their bravery and courage, the support and love of their parents and the commendable efforts of those generous and hard-working souls at Sankara Eye Hospital is what we truly celebrated on World Retinoblastoma Day.
You recognize a survivor when you see one. You recognize a fighter when you see one.
Elizabeth Edwards
