“My ocular melanoma journey began in April 2020, in the middle of the COVID pandemic. I was just 19 years old, a freshman in college, and attending classes online when I noticed floaters in my vision. At first, I didn’t think much of it—but my mom did. She knew something wasn’t right, and I was eventually diagnosed with ocular melanoma.

“Hearing the word “cancer” at 19 was something I was completely unprepared for. In the middle of a global pandemic, while trying to navigate college and young adulthood, it felt surreal. Cancer was the last thing on my mind. I chose radiation plaque therapy, which was sewn directly onto my eye for a week. Thankfully, the treatment was successful. My tumor is now shrinking and inactive, though the radiation left lasting effects, including cataract surgery and glaucoma.

“As hard as this journey has been, it changed the way I see the world – literally and figuratively. Living with ocular melanoma makes you deeply grateful for your vision and for simple moments, like watching a sunset. It has given me greater appreciation for everyday life and empathy for others facing similar battles.

“Being diagnosed with such a rare cancer is scary. It teaches you to lean into your faith, even when there are more questions than answers. It’s rewarding to share my experience and medical data with researchers working to better understand ocular melanoma, so that others can have better outcomes in the future.

“Eye on Grace has been an incredibly impactful part of my journey. Their support made it possible for me to travel for ongoing scans and treatment, something that would have been overwhelming without help. But beyond financial support, Eye on Grace gave me hope. They reminded me that there are people willing to step in, show compassion, and walk alongside families facing the unimaginable.

On International Childhood Cancer Day, I’m reminded that no young person should have to face cancer alone – and because of Eye on Grace, I never did.”