In England, How This Mother's Immense Courage Helped Son Overcome Eye Cancer

It is said that the mother’s love has no value. What a mother can do for her children, hardly anyone on earth can do. Imagine what would be the condition of a mother who suddenly finds out that her child is suffering from a rare disease. Surely, she will break. But something similar happened in England, with a mother living with her family.

In a heart-warming tale of maternal courage, Megan Brimson, a 28-year-old singer from the Isle of Wight, showed persistent strength when her 5-year-old son, Arlo, was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer, Retinoblastoma.

It all began when Megan noticed an unusual white glow in Arlo’s right eye while he was playing in the sun. She got concerned and immediately rushed him to St Mary’s Hospital, Isle of Wight, where a large mass was discovered in his eye.

The local doctors referred the child to the Royal London Hospital, where the investigation revealed a rare type of eye cancer, Retinoblastoma, which can affect young children. Arlo underwent an enucleation to remove the infected eye, followed by four rounds of chemotherapy. Now, Arlo has recovered but has to wear an artificial eye to attend school. His older brother and family fully support him.

Megan said, “Arlo is doing very well, we are very proud of him. He cleaned his eyes himself; we have fitted him with an artificial eye. Now, he also goes to school and enjoys it very much. His older brother is his best friend, who always makes sure Arlo is comfortable and okay at school.”

Recalling the ordeal, Megan expressed her initial shock and said that it was August 2023, when she saw a white glow in Arlo’s eyes while playing in the sun. She said that doctors examined both of Arlo’s eyes and confirmed he had Retinoblastoma and would need surgery to remove his right eye. However, she found strength in her husband’s unwavering support and her family’s love.

The specific signs of Retinoblastoma are a white glow and swollen eyes.

Richard Ashton, CEO of Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, said that Retinoblastoma is a rare disease, but affects about one child per week in the UK.

He further emphasised the importance of early detection, as symptoms of retinoblastoma can be subtle and children often appear healthy.