Upholding the RBK legacy of hope, resilience

According to the American Cancer Society, retinoblastoma is one of the least common forms of childhood cancer - only 200-300 children in the United States are diagnosed with it each year. Sixty percent of those affect just one eye, not both. And 90 percent of all cases are cured, without spreading to other parts of the body.
Comforting statistics, perhaps, but for the parents of children who are diagnosed with this cancer of the retina, the numbers are an abstraction. The fact that retinoblastoma can cause a loss of vision - in one or both eyes - is the only fact that matters.
We share that concern.
And something more.
As the Emory Eye Center celebrates the 25th anniversary of Retinoblastoma Kids Day, we are struck by the resilience, vitality and achievement of the hundreds of children that have been treated by our clinicians. We are invigorated by the courage, strength, and humor that keeps these families striving to minimize the impact that retinoblastoma will have on their daily lives and future dreams.
The following stories are among the many that have unfolded before us in the last 25 years.
Kennedy Rouse: It's all about poise
Kennedy Rouse is all about poise.
The 22-year-old dancer, singer, and performing artist went to school to perfect that vibe, graduating from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in 2022.
And she doesn’t let thoughtless questions about her prosthetic eye break her stride.
“I always try to read people’s intentions..."I've done everything I've wanted to do"
Looking back 20 years, Tiffany Germany says bringing her young son, Turner Strickland, to the annual Retinoblastoma Kids Day picnic was a relief and an education.
“It was great to see all of the face-painting and games that the kids could play. They even had a special gift for Turner,” says the Oxford, Georgia resident. “And I got to hear what the other parents were doing with their kids, how they were adjusting. There was a lot to know.”
Letting kids be kids
Google the words “Layton Sanford” and the long-held dreams of a Silver Creek, Georgia teen will pop up before you finish typing.
Baseball.
“I would like to make it to the major leagues,” says the soft-spoken 18-year-old pitcher for the Pepperell High School Dragons and the Nelson Baseball School travel team. “That’s the plan, anyway.”