Teenage Retinoblastoma Survivor Facing Cancer with Positive Attitude
September 3rd, 2007 by janetBen Underwood, aged 15 years, lost both his eyes to retinoblastoma when he was three. Now he is battling cancer again, this time, a tumour in his sinus region. The doctors can’t tell if the cancer is a secondary from the retinoblastoma, or if it has occurred as a result of the radiotherapy treatment used to erradicate the retinoblastoma tumours.
But Ben isn’t letting this major change in his health get him down. Living in Sacramento, Ben has become famous for being able to “see through sound”. He refuses to use a white stick to move around, preferring clicking with his tongue and using echolocation to navigate around his environment. Ben is able to ride a bike, skateboard and play basketball, despite being totally blind.
His amazing abilities have led to him travelling extensively, giving talks about his life and meeting famous people.
Now he is undergoing chemotherapy and suffering from its side-effects. Although his prognosis is not clear, he has one vital thing on his side: his positive attitude.
To read Ben’s inspiring story, click here
Posted in Blindness, Eye Cancer, Long Term Effects of Radiotherapy, Retinoblastoma. Permalink for this post: permalink.
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September 28th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
What an amazing person. Forget that Ben is a teenager - or has suffered so much - he has achieved things that others only dream about.