Baby I Was Born This Way – Frank’s Story

Baby I Was Born This Way – Frank’s Story

045I’m a cancer survivor and I’m proud of it.
Hi guys, my name is Frank and this is my story.
At the innocent age of 3 months, I was diagnosed with having eye cancer, known as Retinoblastoma.
My right eye was removed and the left one was treated and saved with radiation therapy.
Due to the intense treatment on the left eye, I lost a fair bit of sight in that eye.
But hey, some sight is better than none at all.
The advantage of losing sight at such a young age is you cant miss something you have never had.
It is so IMPOTANT to educate ourselves and others about this form of cancer.
I was not educated enough about my condition, leaving me embarrassed and shy to talk about it to anyone.
As we are all human, and very curious creatures, we ask questions
When someone would ask me, What happened to your eye?
Due to my feelings of embarrassment, I would say with my head down that I had a car accident or would say it’s none of your business.
I’m 43 years of age now, and I only stated to be honest with my condition over the last 3 years.
So please don’t do what I did and suffer in silence. Speak out and be proud because baby I was born this way.

 

6 Comments

  1. Avatar for Shelli Williamson Shelli Williamson on June 18, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    way to go! thanks for sharing!

  2. Avatar for Marilize Marilize on July 19, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    Hi Frank, I was also a Rhetinoblastoma baby. I was 18mths when diagnosed, but in a few weeks I turn 52. Like you I was ill informed about the disease and was shy and did not speak of it.
    Although my right eye was removed, I had perfect sight in my left eye…and only now are experiencing problems as my left eye sight is starting to deteriorate.
    And I totally agree, speak up…bcoz ” baby, I was born this way”

  3. Avatar for Erin Erin on November 1, 2013 at 8:16 am

    Hi Frank,
    I too am a cancer survivor! I was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma at 1 month. I had my right eye removed, but was fortunate to keep the sight in my left eye.
    I was only ever shy about my eye when I was very young. I have always been very proud to be a cancer survivor and such a unique individual! I love to share my story!! I also have a great sense of humour about it!
    I think that it’s an amazing story that should be shared with the world. Shout it out…Baby…we were born this way!!!!

  4. Avatar for shelby shelby on February 11, 2014 at 1:50 am

    Hey guys my name is Shelby I am a female and 22 years old. I lost my left eye at the age of four due to cancer. I am too a cancer survivor but am not like you guys. I am still shy about it. My mom encourages me to be proud of serving cancer but I was teased alot growing up so I have always been shy about it. If someone ask I do tell the truth but its not something in going to be boasting about. I would just like to know what helps you guys cope with it. I am very beautiful young girl and the only reason i think that is because i am told often i am. I just am not as confident as you guys seem and would love to know how you guys are so confident in yourself. I was born this way and am very blessed to still be here because of the fact that they didn’t find the cancer till it was at a stage four. If you guys have any helpful tips I would appreciate it. You can reach me at princess_shelby05@yahoo.com

  5. Avatar for renee renee on May 6, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    hello, my name is Renee and i was born without a left eye. I’m 18 going on 19 and still i have not done anything about that. Thanks for the story. I hope i get an artificial eye soon as it is my most desired wish. although my right eye has perfect sight i am thankful for that. Regards RENEE

  6. Avatar for Rachel Rachel on December 28, 2014 at 5:24 am

    Hello. My name is Rachel and like you all, I survived Retinoblastoma. I lost my right eye at 4 years old and even now at 34, I still don’t feel very confident. I was picked on as a kid and grew up feeling like a freak. I have come a long way since then; happily married with two beautiful babies, but some things never change. I HATE having my picture taken because the only thing I see is an eye that just looks wrong. When entering new social atmospheres I tend to keep my head at a slight turn or angle so as to hide my right eye. I worry that my children (who are screened regularly for retinoblastoma) will be tormented at school because of me. I suppose everyone copes in different ways but for me, I have come to accept that my confidence with this will be a lifelong endeavor.

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