For Amber, there is no greater heartache than watching her child fight cancer. No parent should ever have to experience the pain of seeing their little one endure tests, treatments, and procedures that seem to strip away their innocence. For Amber and her partner, every day with Robyn—her sweet, joyful, dancing little girl—has been filled with overwhelming worry, the fear of losing her vision, and the constant emotional toll of their daughter’s battle with childhood cancer.
Robyn’s story began when she was just seven weeks old. A happy baby, full of life and promise, Robyn’s world was forever changed when she was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of eye cancer that affects the retina. For Amber and her partner, hearing that diagnosis was like a bolt of lightning, a sudden, devastating shock that no one could have prepared for.
“The moment we found out Robyn had cancer, it felt like our whole world shattered,” Amber said. “It’s absolutely heart-shattering watching your child fight cancer. You feel your heart sinking as you watch your baby try to fight it off.” The doctors’ decision to remove Robyn’s left eye was a last-ditch effort to save her life, but it also meant that Robyn’s journey would be filled with more pain, uncertainty, and fear than any parent should ever have to endure.
Robyn’s battle didn’t end with the removal of her left eye. She carries the genetic mutation RB1, a hereditary condition that means she has a significantly higher chance of developing other cancers in the future. This knowledge is a constant shadow that looms over Amber, as she faces the terrifying reality that Robyn’s fight may not be over, and that the cancer could return in a different form.
One of the hardest moments for Amber came on her birthday—an event meant for celebration and joy, but for Amber, it became a day that would forever hold a darker meaning. It was on her birthday that they received Robyn’s genetic testing results. “It was devastating,” Amber recalled. “I found out on my birthday, and so now every year, it is a reminder of it.” That day, a day meant to celebrate life, became a stark reminder of the heavy burden Amber and her family would have to bear for years to come.
As Robyn grew, her journey with cancer became even more complicated. At just 20 months old, she had already undergone over 30 general anaesthetics and three major operations. Her body, so small and fragile, was being tested in ways no child should have to endure. Despite the many surgeries and treatments, Robyn went on to develop tumors in her right eye, further complicating her diagnosis and treatment plan. For Amber, watching her daughter go through this relentless cycle of tests, treatments, and uncertainty was beyond heartbreaking.
“Cancer has completely done a 360 on our life,” Amber said. “I worked full-time, but now I can’t do that. My partner got a new job and took on longer hours so that we can cover bills.” The financial strain of Robyn’s illness was significant, with Amber and her partner facing the impossible task of balancing their daughter’s care with the everyday demands of life. But the emotional toll was even more consuming. Amber explained, “Our mental health going through childhood cancer as parents has not been great. Sometimes it feels like we are hanging on by a thread.”
The weight of this constant worry—wondering if Robyn’s cancer will return, questioning whether she will lose her vision or face further health challenges—never really leaves Amber and her partner. “I ask myself every day, ‘When will this end, when will she not have to suffer? When does she just get to live a life without constant poking and prodding and tests and treatment?’” Amber said, the question hanging in the air, a reminder of the deep uncertainty that permeates their lives.
This is the reality of childhood cancer. It is long, exhausting, and emotionally draining. It is not just the physical toll on the child; it’s the emotional and psychological burden placed on the entire family. “This is childhood cancer,” Amber said. “It’s hard, long emotional days, weeks, and months on end. It’s having your entire world turned upside down by something you cannot control. It’s watching your baby go through hell and back and being powerless to help them. The worry, the fear, and the heartache—it never really stops. It doesn’t get easier. This is cancer. This is our life.”
In the face of these immense challenges, Amber and her partner have learned to find small moments of joy amidst the darkness. They try to cherish the good days, even when they seem fleeting. “As much as possible now, we try to just enjoy the good days,” Amber said. “Even little things, we try to make the most of, even if it’s just going to the park or not rushing bedtime. We try to be a little bit more spontaneous.” These moments, however simple they may seem, are the lifeblood of their survival. In the midst of the relentless struggle, they hold on to these fleeting moments of normalcy, cherishing them like precious gems.
But it’s not just the small moments of joy that keep them going—it’s the strength and resilience of their daughter, Robyn. Despite everything she’s been through, Robyn’s spirit remains unbroken. “She loves dancing,” Amber shared, a smile creeping into her voice as she spoke of her daughter’s favorite pastime. “She’s so full of life, even with everything she’s had to go through. That’s what keeps us going—seeing her continue to fight, to dance, to be happy, even in the face of all this.”
As Amber and her partner continue to fight for their daughter’s health, they are supported by the strength of their community. Their journey has been long and painful, but they are not alone. Friends, family, and even strangers have rallied around them, offering support, love, and care. This community of support has been crucial in helping them navigate the endless challenges that come with childhood cancer.
For Amber, it’s the love of her daughter, the support of her family, and the strength of the community that keeps her going. “This is what we do as parents,” she said. “We fight for our kids, no matter how hard it gets. We do it because they deserve to live a life full of happiness, not one defined by illness.”
Robyn’s story is one of resilience, love, and strength in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that childhood cancer is not just a medical battle—it is a battle of the heart, mind, and spirit. And in the face of this battle, the love and support of family, friends, and community become the foundation that helps a family survive the most difficult journey of all.
For Amber and her family, the journey is ongoing. But through it all, they hold on to hope, to love, and to the joy that still exists in their lives. Robyn, despite the challenges she faces, is a testament to the power of resilience, and her family’s love for her will always be the strongest force of all.