Karen Cabanglan describes her daughter Kleo as a happy, energetic toddler who was full of life. However, in October 2025, Karen began noticing a strange glow in Kleo’s right eye. At first, it was subtle and elusive. She only noticed it at certain angles and not all the time. Karen assumed it was simply a reflection of light and did not think much of it. Kleo was meeting all of her milestones and seemed completely unaffected.
But soon, Karen’s husband Noel also began noticing the white reflection in Kleo’s eye. As the days passed, the glow became more persistent and more difficult to ignore.
Concerned, the diligent parents began researching online to understand what this glow could mean. It was there they learned about leukocoria (“the glow”) a reflection in the pupil that can be a sign of more than 20 different eye conditions. They were terrified to discover that one possible cause was Retinoblastoma (RB), a rare cancer of the eye.
Guided by a growing sense of urgency, the couple became determined to find answers. They first brought Kleo to her pediatrician, but because Kleo had difficulty sitting still, a thorough examination was not possible. However, after hearing the parents’ concerns, the pediatrician advised them to immediately seek evaluation from a pediatric ophthalmologist.
One week later, Kleo underwent that examination. The doctor was able to see something concerning in her eye but could not yet provide an official diagnosis. The family was told that Kleo could potentially have Retinoblastoma (RB) and that her case was urgent. They were referred to a specialist at a private hospital for further testing.
Karen says she and her husband were overwhelmed with fear at the thought that their little girl could have cancer. At the same time, they held tightly to hope that it might be something else.
The very next day, they met with Dr. Honeylen Maryl Teo at St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Philippines. Kleo first underwent an ocular ultrasound. After the test, the family received the devastating news that doctors could clearly see a tumor. Kleo did, in fact, have Retinoblastoma.
Additional testing followed, including an MRI and an Examination Under Anesthesia (EUA). These tests revealed that there is a right ocular mass measuring 1.6 cm..
Given the size and nature of the primary tumor, the family was advised that the best course of action would be enucleation, surgical removal of the eye. Doctors wanted to ensure the cancer would not spread beyond the eye or reach her brain.
Amid the heartbreak, there was also encouraging news. First, the tumors had remained fully contained within the eye, and the MRI showed that Kleo’s brain was completely clear. Second, her left eye showed no signs of cancer.
Wanting to explore every option possible, the family sought a second opinion at Philippine Children’s Medical Center, where Kleo was evaluated by Dr. Norman Eric Fajardo, Dr. Marie Basco, and Dr. Aldous Dominic Cabanlas. After repeating the necessary tests, this remarkable team of doctors agreed with the original findings and recommendations.
After careful consideration and many difficult conversations, Kleo’s parents, alongside her medical team, made the heartbreaking but life-saving decision to proceed with enucleation. On December 17, 2025, Kleo underwent surgery to remove her right eye.
Following surgery, the family received news that brought immense relief. Histopathology results showed that all margins were negative, meaning the cancer had been fully contained within the eye. Kleo also underwent a lumbar puncture, which revealed no cancer cells in her cerebrospinal fluid. Because of these positive results, she would not need chemotherapy.
Kleo’s final diagnosis was Group D, Stage 1 Retinoblastoma.
Since surgery, Kleo has continued to thrive. She has received her first prosthetic eye, which is a wonderful match, and she has adapted beautifully to the care it requires. Looking at her today, you would never know the mountain she has climbed at such a young age. She remains the same joyful, energetic, and beautiful little girl she has always been.
Kleo will continue to be closely monitored until she is 8 years old. For the next several years, she will undergo an Examination Under Anesthesia every other month so doctors can carefully monitor her left eye. To date, there have been no new signs of cancer. The family is also preparing for genetic testing to determine whether Kleo’s case is hereditary.
Through every step of this terrifying journey, Karen says they were guided by an incredible team of doctors and medical professionals. The family remains deeply grateful for the compassion, expertise, and support they received during the most difficult time of their lives. These doctors not only provided life-saving care for Kleo, but also helped her parents navigate unimaginable decisions with strength and hope.
Today, the family is sharing Kleo’s story to help raise awareness about leukocoria (“the glow”). They say this subtle sign was the only warning they had that something serious was developing in their daughter’s eye. They hope that by raising awareness of the glow, more families around the world will recognize this important warning sign and access the care their children need—just as Kleo did, leading to the early intervention that ultimately saved her life.
