Name: Easton

Diagnosis: Easton was found to suffer from retinoblastoma in February 2011.

When Easton was just 6 weeks old, his mother noticed an odd glare in her baby boy’s eyes when the light hit them just right. Concerned, she took Easton to the pediatrician, who immediately referred them to an ophthalmologist.

There, tests revealed that Easton had a mass behind his eyes and one of his retinas was detached. The doctor believed that Easton suffered from retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye. Arrangements were made immediately for Easton and his parents to travel to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that very night.

At St. Jude:

At St. Jude, doctors confirmed that Easton suffered from bilateral retinoblastoma, and had tumors present in both of his eyes. He underwent six months of chemotherapy, as well as laser treatments and cryotherapy to control tumor growth, which he continues today.

Easton’s mom recalls feeling relief the first night they arrived at St. Jude.

“The moment we got here, I felt everything was going to be okay,” she said. “St. Jude gives me hope. I’m so grateful for the care we’re receiving.”

St. Jude not only provides treatment at no cost to the family, they also provide transportation, food and housing during treatment. No family ever pays St. Jude for anything.

Easton returns to St. Jude every four weeks for continuing laser therapy and cryotherapy. Despite everything he’s been through, he’s a happy little boy who loves to play outside.

“I’m forever grateful to St. Jude,” said Easton’s mother. “Everyone here is family, and they care about us, they care about Easton.”

May 2012