Evie has been full of life since day one. She is truly the strongest person I know. During treatment if she ever got sick, she’d throw up one minute and be running around playing and smiling the next. Life in general makes her happy. She loves dancing, watching funny movies, riding horses, swimming, and of course anything and everything princess related!
Evie was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma in March of 2012. In the months prior to her diagnosis, her left eye was not tracking correctly. We took her to the pediatrician to address this concern at 2 months old but they shrugged it off saying that it’s normal for all babies and never performed a proper eye exam. Over the next month, I noticed a glow in her eyes in pictures and after covering her left eye vs right, I realized that she likely had no vision in her left eye. Upon diagnosis, she had a Grade E tumor with 90% of the retina detached.
Treatment was rough. Evie had her left eye enucleated at 5 months old followed by one round of chemo. Unfortunately, she was allergic to the very drug that was meant to save her life. During the beginning of each treatment, her entire body would turn bright red, swell, and she’d scream out in pain until they eventually stopped to administer IV Benedryl before starting up again. She is now required to wear safety glasses at all times to protect her remaining right eye.
Cancer has 100% changed our lives. Not only does it truly put into perspective how fragile and precious life is, but it also leaves scars we carry with us everyday, both physically and mentally. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t worry or think about cancer now. Anytime Evie is sick, gets a bruise, or becomes extra tired, the possibility of her cancer returning or a secondary cancer manifesting is always the first thing that comes to mind.
Through it all, Evie has shown strength, kindness, and infectious love. She is my hero!
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