In 2018, an estimated 1.7 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer, and there are approximately 15.5 million cancer survivors living nationwide. Fortunately, cancer among children only makes up a very small percentage of these numbers, with approximately 15,000 children, 0-19 years of age, diagnosed with cancer annually. However, even one child diagnosed with cancer can be a personal tragedy for parents, families, and entire communities. (1)

One particular news story initially broke by Good Morning America shows the truly devastating impact of childhood cancer among a young family, in which all three children have been diagnosed with eye cancer. (2)

Three Brothers

The Rush family of Atlanta has definitely seen more than their fair share of cancer with their three young children, all brothers, being diagnosed with a form of cancer called retinoblastoma. Older brother, Tristen, was diagnosed first in the spring of 2014, Caison in the fall of 2015, and Carter in January of 2020. The boys, all under the age of five, are currently all being treated with chemotherapy and laser-based interventions.

A Genetic Trait?

The boy’s mother, Angie, spoke to the media about her family’s experiences. She explained, “I had been told by doctors most of my life that because of the genetic mutation with the retinoblastoma that I have in both eyes I had a 50/50 chance of passing it on.”  As a child herself, Angie had been diagnosed with eye cancer at just 6 weeks of age, but today is healthy and has made a career for herself as a teacher. Like her boys, Angie engaged in regular eye exam and check0ups throughout childhood.

Physicians treating the Rush family confirmed the disease is indeed hereditary for them and shared that all boys had been rigorously screened for the cancer since birth. Tristen was 4 weeks old when he was diagnosed, and Caison was diagnosed at birth. Carter, now 7 months, had been diagnosed the latest in life at 6 months. (2-4)

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare form of childhood cancer among the general population, but the gene RB1 can put some families at higher risk of the disease. The RB1 gene can be detected by lab testing within the first few weeks of life and is recommended for children with parents and siblings who have the disease. The results of this test can then help doctors determine the frequency of eye exams and screening required for the child. Most children being screened for retinoblastoma have monthly eye exams, and annual diagnostic imaging (like an MRI) until four to five years of age.

Retinoblastoma can appear in one or both eyes as a tumor. If there are tumors in both eyes, these tend to occur simultaneously. Though the Rush children are receiving chemotherapy and laster treatments for their eye cancer, retinoblastoma may also be treated by: (5)

• Surgery (which in rare cases involve eye removal)
• Radiation therapy
• Cryotherapy (freezing the tumor with low temperatures)

Seeing the Positive

Angie’s described her response to the diagnoses as “…a shock and it was a surprise. It was very emotional. It’s hard to handle sometimes, but they [the boys] are such a blessing.” (4)

Working with a pediatrician and ophthalmologist, all three Rush boys are expected to recover and go on to have relatively normal lives after eye cancer. “They get along great but they’re still brothers — they have a lot of energy,” mom Angie said. Photos released of the family show the brothers playing, smiling, and living life just like other American kiddos. (3)

Talking about what lays ahead for her three boys, Angie shared, “Tristen is so friendly and loves to sing. He loves science … we’re kind of hoping he’ll be a doctor someday. Caison is a bit shy, but has great personality and makes us laugh a lot. Carter’s personality is still growing, but he smiles at everybody.”

Due to the high cost of medical bills, the Rush family has had to sell their home and move in with other relatives. A crowdfunding page has also been started to help the family get through this heavy time. Strangers, completely unknown to the family have been a huge source of support for them. “The encouragement, people saying they’re thinking of us, it’s been wonderful,” Rush said, adding how thankful she is. “The monetary support has been wonderful, too.” (2, 3, 4)